New Partnership Connects RACC Members to Stellar MLS Resources, Reach, and Support

Not every seller is ready to enter the market in the same way. While some homes are ready for immediate exposure as soon as the listing agreement is signed, others may need additional time. A seller may still be completing repairs, coordinating photography, preparing for showings, or following a seller’s direction regarding when the home should appear across public websites. The path to market often depends as much on the seller's circumstances as it does on the property itself.

In times of uncertainty, agents and brokers need information they can trust, guidance that is easy to follow, and support that helps them keep moving without adding more confusion to an already demanding day. Across Stellar MLS, employees prepare resources, verify details across systems, answer questions patiently, and communicate information in ways that help real estate professionals use what is available to them. Much of this happens quietly behind the scenes, but it creates a sense of confidence that customers can rely on. That is how Stellar MLS provides our valued customers with support, stability, and success.

FLORIDA, U.S. (April 15, 2026) – Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest and most influential multiple listing services in the U.S., expanded its global footprint in the first quarter of 2026 through high-profile industry engagements, strategic partnerships, and ongoing efforts to advance transparency and data standardization across real estate markets worldwide. Recognizing an increasing global demand for MLS frameworks and best practices, UCO has positioned itself as a trusted, connected guide for markets at every stage of readiness. “UCO is committed to empowering, educating and elevating real estate on a global scale, engaging with like-minded leaders to help shape the future of the MLS,” said Merri Jo Cowen, Chief Vision Officer and Executive Vice President of Stellar MLS and UCO. MIPIM 2026 – Collaborating in Cannes UCO enhanced its global presence at the recent MIPIM 2026 gathering in France, joining more than 15,000 industry leaders from some 90 countries at one of the world’s leading real estate events. UCO was an RE Key Sponsor through FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation representing 1.5 million professionals across 83 countries. Joining Cowen at the event March 9-13 in Cannes, Marion Weiler, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Global Markets at UCO and Stellar MLS, and Beth Kinsella, UCO Relationship and Research Manager, strengthened relationships with investors, developers and public sector stakeholders while contributing to a featured panel, “From Data to Delivery: The New Industrial Real Estate Ecosystem.” The discussion highlighted challenges and opportunities within the global real estate market – noting as cross-border investment and PropTech innovation accelerate, markets remain constrained by fragmented, inconsistent data – and reinforced the critical role of the MLS as a centralized infrastructure. “Across markets, we see a growing need for transparency, standardized data and more efficient transactions,” said Weiler. “UCO’s mission aligns with a broader global imperative – to create more connected, trusted, and accessible real estate systems – and its progress reflects the increasing recognition of the MLS model as a proven framework to deliver on that need at scale.” Exploring Real Estate, the MLS and AI in Mumbai UCO continued its engagement in India at NARVIGATE 2026, a two-day real estate networking conference in Mumbai, for the second consecutive year. The flagship event, March 23-24, is organized by the National Association of REALTORS® India and brought together more than 2,500 professionals to share global perspectives on navigating a more regulated, technology-driven and collaborative future. Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, Senior Vice President of Technology, Innovation and Global Markets at UCO and Stellar MLS presented a strategic roadmap for MLS implementation in India to key decision-makers. UCO and NAR India are advancing plans to introduce a modern MLS to India, assessing the real estate market – projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030 – and preparing for an RFP. With a population of 1.46 billion and a highly advanced digital infrastructure, India is uniquely positioned to leapfrog into a more transparent, technology-driven future – beginning with the country’s first MLS. In addition, Dr. Kallumadil, took part in a presentation “AI in Real Estate,” exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance data accuracy, automate workflows, and deliver actionable insights. According to Kallumadil, “Nearly half of buyers and sellers are already using AI in their transactions - and most of them are using it to evaluate their agent before they even pick up the phone. The gap between what consumers expect and what most agents deliver is widening every month. That gap always gets filled. The only question is whether agents fill it themselves, or someone else does it for them.” The opportunity, he added, lies in embracing AI thoughtfully – experimenting with technology, understanding it and “applying it wisely with clients to avoid alienating trusted relationships while leaning into new consumer behavior.” With CEPI, Elevating Professional Standards Across Europe UCO is also deepening its collaboration with CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professions, through the planned development of the “MMCEPI MLS” educational module, designed to support awareness and adoption of MLS best practices and enhance professional standards across Europe. This effort aligns with the launch of the MMCEPI Real Estate Quality Label – Europe’s first real estate quality benchmark – introduced in February 2025 in Brussels as a mark of excellence focused on ethics, qualifications and professionalism for real estate practitioners in more than 20 countries. Created to distinguish qualified professionals and build greater consumer trust, the MMCEPI label reflects CEPI’s broader mission to modernize real estate systems across its network of more than 30 national associations in 25 countries. UCO’s involvement reinforces the growing role of the MLS in advancing transparency and collaboration across global markets, while signaling continued momentum in Europe – with increased interest in MLS frameworks among CEPI members. Through continued global engagement, UCO is at the forefront of advancing MLS adoption worldwide – supporting real estate professionals, organizations and governments in building more transparent and collaborative real estate systems. About UCO Global UCO Global exists to help real estate organizations worldwide build fair, efficient, and connected marketplaces. Whether exploring, launching, or scaling an MLS, we deliver tailored strategies grounded in deep MLS expertise, global insight, and local knowledge. Our multilingual, culturally fluent team brings over 100 years of combined MLS leadership and more than 40 years of international business experience to every engagement. Backed by Stellar MLS – one of the largest and most influential MLSs in the United States – we bring proven operational strength to global real estate transformation while building trust, transparency, and sustainable growth in every market we serve. Learn more at stellarmls.com/Global .

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (March 11, 2026)— After nearly two decades at the helm of one of the nation’s most influential multiple listing services, Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, is transitioning into a full-time leadership role at Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), the organization’s fast-growing global MLS advisory subsidiary. “While my focus is shifting, I’m not leaving the industry or the mission that has guided my work at Stellar MLS,” Cowen added. “This transition allows me to dedicate my attention to scaling UCO’s impact while remaining deeply connected to the lessons and values shaped through MLS leadership.” In her role, Cowen will continue to advance UCO’s international consulting work and guide real estate professionals in building and modernizing MLS systems and practices worldwide. Cowen’s successor is Stellar MLS Chief Operations Officer Shayne Fairley, who has been an integral part of the leadership team for nearly two decades. “This is a planned and thoughtful transition, which ensures continuity and momentum for our customers and staff,” said Cowen, who will collaborate with Fairley and the Stellar team in an advisory capacity. “Stellar MLS is strong and well-positioned, and Shayne is more than ready to step forward and guide our organization into its next chapter. A Strategic Evolution that Strengthens Stellar MLS Locally and Expands Its Influence Globally Launched in 2024, UCO provides expertise and customized solutions to advance MLS practices worldwide. Building on decades of MLS leadership, UCO works with organizations at every stage of development to strengthen professional standards, foster cooperation, and support more efficient and trusted real estate marketplaces. Through its strategic partnerships with international organizations such as CEPI (the European Association of Real Estate Professions), FIABCI (the International Real Estate Federation), CILA (Latin American Real Estate Confederation), and dedicated global partners who share UCO’s mission, UCO has helped strengthen cross-border relationships and trust across real estate markets. With relationships in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe, these collaborations reflect growing global demand for proven MLS solutions and shared standards that support transparency, cooperation, and long-term market stability. In addition to these collaborations, UCO has been selected by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) India as an advisor to help establish a scalable MLS framework across the country, reinforcing a shared commitment to modernizing real estate infrastructure and strengthening professional standards. “UCO is at the intersection of global collaboration and MLS evolution,” said Cowen. “Around the world, there is a growing demand for greater transparency, structure, and trust in real estate. Many of these markets are working to address challenges we’ve already navigated. Through cooperation and shared standards, the work emerging through UCO reflects where the industry is headed and aligns closely with the principles that have guided my career.” What’s Next for Stellar MLS Widely recognized as a thought leader and industry trailblazer, Cowen has led Stellar MLS since 2008, guiding it through a period of transformational growth and modernization. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its customer base to become the largest MLS in Florida and Puerto Rico and the third largest in the U.S. This growth strengthened shareholder relationships, launched international partnerships with global organizations like CEPI and FIABCI, and solidified Stellar MLS’s position as a national and global leader in data transparency and collaboration. Cowen played a pivotal role in the MLS’s rebranding in 2019 and helped elevate the visibility and value of the MLS during a time of industry change. Cowen serves on the Board of Directors of FIABCI-USA and was appointed in January 2026 as a representative to the FIABCI International General Assembly. Fairley joined Stellar MLS in 2005 and has risen through the ranks across multiple departments, training customers and staff, guiding compliance, advancing data services, and advising operations, among other roles. Since being named COO in 2017, he has led strategic operational growth, championed customer-first initiatives, and worked with Cowen on the company’s efforts to elevate the MLS globally. “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Merri Jo for nearly two decades and have learned so much from her leadership both strategically and personally. She leads with vision and heart, and that balance of strong leadership and authentic care is part of what has made Stellar so successful – and something I hope to emulate,” said Fairley. “Her deep understanding of the MLS will be a tremendous benefit to international markets as she takes on an expanded role with UCO, and I look forward to watching her continued success.” “Across the real estate industry, this moment should reinforce a sense of stability, clarity, and confidence,” said Cowen. “Leadership transitions, when done thoughtfully and with intent, are designed to protect the organization and its customers while ensuring continued progress. As our industry continues to be more collaborative, data-driven, and increasingly global, organizations that remain adaptive and embrace those principles will be best positioned to lead and serve.” About Stellar MLS Stellar MLS is the multiple listing service for real estate professionals who value clarity, stability, and support in a real estate market and industry defined by change. As the largest multiple listing service in the state of Florida and among the largest and most influential in the U.S., Stellar MLS serves more than 80,000 customers and supports real estate agents and brokers across 20 REALTOR® associations in Central and Southwest Florida and Puerto Rico. Its extensive footprint allows Stellar MLS to deliver a broader suite of cutting-edge products and services, and more opportunities for customers to do business than almost any other MLS. Stellar MLS creates conditions within which real estate professionals can succeed, the housing market can thrive, and people who seek homeownership have every opportunity to achieve it. About UCO Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO) is a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest multiple listing services in the U.S. Backed by decades of MLS leadership and operational expertise, UCO partners with MLSs, associations, and market leaders worldwide to transform, consolidate, and strengthen real estate marketplaces. Its strategies are tailored to local realities, aligned across diverse stakeholders, and designed to drive sustainable adoption. The result is unified, resilient, and future-ready markets that deliver measurable value to real estate professionals and the communities they serve. # # #