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Key Takeaways from Around the World

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There are truly no other offerings with this level of global connection, insight, and leadership in the real estate industry. At UCO, we’re leading the way, setting a new standard for how professionals learn, share, and grow across markets.”


— Merri Jo Cowen, CEO

Universal Consulting Opportunities

Your Trusted Source for Industry News


Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a proud subsidiary of Stellar MLS, is dedicated to supporting and connecting real estate professionals across markets and borders. Our mission is to create a more transparent, collaborative, and informed global real estate ecosystem by helping professionals understand the value of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—a system built on trust, transparency, and accurate data.


Through expert guidance and education, we empower you to expand your reach, navigate cross-market transactions, and gain global insights on MLS adoption and industry trends. With UCO, you don’t just gain perspective—you gain a powerful business advantage and the confidence to take the next step in your MLS journey. 

Featured News

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By Warner Ransone September 25, 2025
FLORIDA, U.S. (Sept. 24, 2025) – Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest and most influential MLSs in the U.S., and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) India have announced an agreement to bring a modern MLS to India. This collaboration is a defining step for India, one of the world’s largest and fastest‐growing real estate markets, offering greater professionalism, strengthened data integrity, and enhanced transparency for all stakeholders. UCO and NAR India are launching India’s first MLS pilot in Mumbai, marking the start of a nationwide transformation in a region comparable to the New York City metropolitan area. With a population of 1.46 billion, a $1 trillion real estate market expected by 2030, near-universal internet access, and the world’s most advanced digital payments and identity ecosystem, India is uniquely positioned to leapfrog into a modern, transparent, and technology-driven real estate future. This pilot is the first step toward building the most ambitious MLS infrastructure in the world. NAR India, the premier national association for real estate professionals, unites over 40 member associations and more than 50,000 practitioners nationwide. As the collective voice of India’s real estate community, NAR India has been instrumental in shaping policy, advancing education, and driving advocacy for professional excellence. Its leadership ensures that the adoption of an MLS is rooted in the realities of the Indian market, amplifying the benefits for its members and millions of consumers nationwide. By joining forces, UCO and NAR India will combine strengths—NAR India’s market leadership and influence with UCO’s decades of MLS expertise—to co-create a modern, scalable MLS in India. “We are honored and proud to support NAR India in developing a connected and transparent real estate ecosystem in India – a critical market that aligns with our vision of empowering organizations as we expand our reach across diverse geographies,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. “This collaboration will streamline transactions and open new avenues of growth for agents, brokers, developers, and consumers while laying the foundation for a sustainable marketplace that shapes the future of real estate in India.” “Partnering exclusively with UCO marks a transformative milestone for NAR India and our members,” said Tarun Bhatia, Vice Chairman and Chair Global, NAR India. “For NAR India, this collaboration goes beyond data access and member growth—it represents an opportunity to adapt global best practices, strengthen professional trust, and empower our members to compete and thrive in a truly interconnected marketplace.” This partnership creates a true two-way bridge. Indians are the fourth-largest group of foreign buyers in U.S. real estate, making up 6 percent of international transactions with an average purchase price of $346,400, right in line with the U.S. median. At the same time, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are fueling strong demand for real estate in India. By aligning global standards and building cross-border trust, UCO and NAR India are opening doors for Indians buying in North America and NRIs investing back home in India. Together, NAR India’s national leadership and UCO’s global expertise ensure that this landmark initiative is not only a technological leap but also a collective effort to shape a transparent, trusted, and competitive real estate marketplace that reflects India’s strengths on the world stage.
By Warner Ransone June 30, 2025
UCO-Global, a Stellar MLS subsidiary, continues to support and provide guidance to international leaders in creating MLS-informed solutions rooted in transparency, collaboration, and trust
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By Jillian Lugo April 2, 2025
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (April 2, 2025) – Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, was invited to join nearly 1,000 real estate professionals from across India to provide expert guidance on introducing the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) model as part of a prestigious conference hosted by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) India. “NARVIGATE 2025,” held March 21-22 in Delhi, brought together influential industry leaders, top government officials and global experts to reshape the future of real estate, business, policy, and innovation. Under the theme “Navigating Change, Inspiring Growth,” the convention offered a powerful platform for thought-provoking discussions, high-level networking, and bold, transformative ideas. The event, now in its 17th year, was co-hosted by the Association of Property Professionals (APP), Delhi NCR. The UCO leadership team was honored by the invitation to participate in the conference. They played a key role in educating and inspiring NAR India and its members—from headlining press conferences to leading dynamic panel discussions on unlocking MLS opportunities, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and elevating personal branding. UCO also delivered live MLS demonstrations, and its leadership was spotlighted in exclusive media interviews, showcasing their expertise and forward-thinking approach. “UCO is among the world’s leading MLS consultants and solution providers, and their presence at NARVIGATE 2025—India’s most prestigious real estate convention—marks a significant milestone in NAR India’s journey towards MLS adoption,” said Tarun Bhatia, Vice Chairman and Chair-Global, NAR India. “Their insightful participation across multiple panels and a dedicated breakout session played a pivotal role in advancing one of NAR India’s most important initiatives.” “We are delighted to bring our expertise and experience to key decision-makers in India’s real estate markets, and take important steps toward creating an efficient, interconnected marketplace that bridges the gap between national and international real estate professionals,” said Shayne Fairley, COO of UCO and Stellar MLS. Marion Weiler, VP of Global Markets for UCO and Stellar MLS VP of Marketing and Communications, and Sam DeBord, CEO of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO), were featured on an international real estate panel titled “The Global Real Estate Exchange–Unlocking Opportunities with MLS” that explored how the MLS enhances trust and transparency, as well as collaboration in cross-border transactions. Key takeaways from the panel included emphasis on the high level of trust and standardization within the MLS and ultimately the collaboration that drives success through connections with global partnerships and real estate professionals. “The MLS plays a key role in fostering trust, transparency, and efficiency in real estate markets worldwide. Through open data standards and global collaboration, we can unlock new opportunities for professionals and consumers alike. It was an honor to be invited by UCO to this event and demonstrate how the MLS model and data standards are shaping the future of international real estate,” said DeBord. The conference marked significant progress in UCO’s international initiatives, further solidified by the company’s strategic partnership with NAR India to enhance real estate practices across the country. Last fall, UCO signed an agreement with NAR India focusing on the transformative impact of implementing a successful MLS in the Indian market and beyond. https://www.stellarmls.com/universal-consulting-opportunities-uco-a-stellar-mls-subsidiary-signs-agreement-with-nar-india-as-advisor-to-develop-a-national-mls “This milestone event was a pivotal moment in our journey with NAR India. It provided an opportunity to deepen our understanding, assess our impact in India, and gather valuable insights to develop a tailored solution that meets the country’s unique needs. UCO is honored and proud to contribute to shaping the future of the vast opportunities within Indian real estate,” said Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, VP of Global Markets for UCO and Stellar MLS VP of Technology and Innovation. For more information on UCO’s global MLS initiatives, visit stellarmls.com/global .
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Meet the UCO Leadership Team

Merri Jo Cowen
Merri Jo Cowen
Chief Executive Officer
Shayne Fairley
Shayne Fairley
Chief Operations Officer
Kelly Calley
Kelly Calley
Director of Operations
Jenna Parkany
Jenna Parkany
Marketing Manager

Global

Marion Weiler
Marion Weiler
SVP of Marketing, Communications, and Global Markets
Elizabeth
Elizabeth "Beth" Kinsella
Global Relationship & Research Manager
Dr. Mathew Kallumadil
Dr. Mathew Kallumadil
SVP of Technology, Innovation, and Global Markets

North America & US Territories

Jennifer Thompson-Kersting
Jennifer Thompson-Kersting
Chief Growth & Relationship Officer
Chris Lumia
Chris Lumia
Director of Business Development

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