Photo credit: Arab MLS www.realestate.gov.eg
UCO Vice President of Global Markets Dr. Mathew Kallumadil discusses technology’s impact on real estate at “Technology Shaping the Future” Feb. 13, 2025 in Cairo.
Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO) at the Epicenter of Global Multiple Listing Service Expansion
February 26, 2025
MLS expert UCO is leading the movement in U.S. and international conversations to shape the future of transparent, efficient real estate markets
Photo credit: Rachel Jane Photo
From left: Marion Weiler, UCO Vice President of Global Markets; Kevin Greene, CoreLogic’s Senior VP and General Manager of Real Estate Solutions; and Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, UCO Vice President of Global Markets, at the 23rd annual CoreLogic Clareity Conference, Feb. 17-19, 2025 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (March 7, 2025) – Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a proud subsidiary of Stellar MLS, is connecting with international leaders, government officials and real estate pioneers to transform the industry on a global scale. UCO has been actively guiding MLS initiatives worldwide and has formed strategic partnerships with international real estate organizations across three continents. At the forefront of critical MLS discussions, UCO’s global leadership team has been actively contributing at major events in the U.S. and abroad to advise and offer expertise on the growing momentum of MLS adoption worldwide.
“We welcome opportunities to share our expertise to foster global collaboration and lead the charge in MLS expansion,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS and UCO. “These conversations, in the U.S. and abroad, are critical to elevate real estate worldwide for the betterment of professionals, consumers, and our industry.”
Innovation, MLS and Real Estate Technology in Egypt
Technology is reshaping Egypt’s real estate industry with the launch of the Egypt MLS, marking a pivotal moment in creating a more transparent, efficient, and trusted marketplace. UCO Vice President of Global Markets Dr. Mathew Kallumadil was invited to present and met with industry leaders and Egyptian government officials during the launch event hosted by Arab MLS, “Technology Shaping the Future,” Feb.13 in Cairo. The event focused on the MLS’s crucial role in economic and real estate development through The Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform, realestate.gov.eg, which played a critical part in this initiative.
Dr. Kallumadil addressed an audience of around 1,000 industry professionals, highlighting how the MLS, powered by technology, is transforming the real estate sector.
“The MLS is the backbone of a modern, technology-driven real estate ecosystem,” said Dr. Kallumadil. “MLS platforms empower professionals with the tools needed to drive efficiency, accuracy, and market transparency. This launch in Egypt underscores the growing recognition that a well-structured MLS is vital for economic and real estate development, and UCO is proud to be part of this transformation.”
The successful event was made possible through the vision and efforts of Mr. Ahmed Elbatrawy, Founder of Arab MLS, who has been instrumental in driving the MLS initiative forward in the Middle East.
Clareity 2025: MLS Goes Global on a National Stage
Stellar MLS alongside UCO’s global leadership team joined hundreds of industry professionals Feb. 17-19 at the 23rd annual CoreLogic Clareity conference in Arizona. Under the theme of “Daring Greatly,” the event drew the industry’s most influential leaders and outside experts to network, and present fresh viewpoints on the most relevant topics of 2025.
One such topic of this sold-out event centered around global opportunities for the MLS and international investments, and UCO shared its expertise in MLS development and experiences with international market leaders.
Marion Weiler, UCO Vice President of Global Markets and Stellar MLS Vice President of Marketing and Communications, and Kevin Greene, CoreLogic’s Senior VP and General Manager of Real Estate Solutions, presented a high-level overview of global MLS opportunities. Weiler discussed strategies for MLS expansions and addressed challenges and opportunities, noting the importance of creating awareness by educating the real estate community across global markets.
“Expanding the MLS on a global scale requires more than just technology — it demands strategic collaboration, education, and a shift in industry mindsets and practices,” said Weiler. “At UCO, we are committed to guiding these discussions and building the bridges necessary to unlock new opportunities for real estate professionals worldwide.”
Following Weiler and Greene’s presentation, the conversation segued to a panel titled “Opportunities Across the Pond,” moderated by Dr. Kallumadil. Carlos Grass, Director at Igluu, a Prague-based digital technology firm, and Sam DeBord, CEO of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO), finished out the panel by exploring international standards and the diverse strategies shaping the evolution of the MLS on a global scale.
UCO has been advising Igluu on expanding the MLS concept in Europe and beyond, as the firm works to forge cross-industry partnerships and enhance client experiences through integrated services.
Next Stop: India, and Advancing MLS Adoption
UCO Leadership will travel to India for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) India conference, “NARVIGATE,” March 21-22 in Delhi, where key decision-makers will discuss the value and need for an MLS system. UCO has been brought in as an expert advisor to guide the conversation and support the next steps to further transparency and efficiency in the Indian marketplace. UCO recently signed an agreement with NAR India, solidifying a strategic partnership to advance MLS education and adoption across India.
For information about the event, visit
www.narindiaconvention.com.
About UCO
Stellar MLS launched Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary, committed to supporting real estate professionals worldwide with expert guidance and customized solutions. UCO’s expertise stems from a management team with over 100 years of combined leadership experience in the real estate industry. The team includes globally recognized business leaders who have collaborated with world-class organizations and international professionals with 40 years of collective global experience. UCO’s leadership team is fluent in seven languages, enabling seamless communication across diverse markets. By collaborating with organizations like CEPI, which represents 30+ countries, and FIABCI, spanning 80+ countries, UCO delivers customized strategies to support real estate markets with an emphasis on trust, transparency, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Photo credit: Rachel Jane Photo
From left: Sam DeBord, CEO, Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO); Carlos Grass, Director, Igluu; and Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, UCO Vice President of Global Markets, at the 23rd annual CoreLogic Clareity Conference, Feb. 17-19, 2025 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
More News
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2025) – Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest and most influential MLSs in the U.S., has entered into a strategic alliance with the Confederación Inmobiliaria Latinoamericana (CILA), a private international organization representing 700,000 real estate professionals in Latin America, to deliver Multiple Listing Service (MLS) expertise and education across the region. With this agreement, CILA and UCO will work to elevate real estate practices across Latin America, where the residential market is expected to expand from $478 billion to more than $712 billion by 2029, according to Modor Intelligence. CILA unites brokers and property managers from 18 countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. CILA members serve more than 527 million people, representing 80 percent of Latin America’s population. This collaboration empowers both organizations to further advance their respective missions while maximizing their impact on critical issues of transparency, professionalism, and trust across the industry. “We are delighted to be working with our esteemed colleagues at CILA and share best practices to guide the advancement of real estate across Latin America,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. “This is a critical market and aligns with our vision of supporting organizations with multiple member countries—as we do with CEPI in Europe and FIABCI worldwide—and deepening our engagement across diverse geographies.” “One of the greatest challenges we face throughout Latin America is transforming long-held cultural beliefs and building customer confidence in the value of best practices, as shown in the practice of using MLSs,” said CILA President Enrique José Morales Choto. “This is precisely why UCO was a natural fit—their extensive global expertise and proven ability to guide organizations on this path make them an invaluable resource in moving CILA toward lasting success.” This agreement comes on the heels of CILA’s 10th Latin American Real Estate Congress in August, where UCO’s leadership joined some 600 professionals and global experts in the Dominican Republic to focus on innovation, market trends, and digital transformation. This landmark step with CILA marks another large milestone in UCO’s international initiatives, reinforcing its role as a strategic leader in the global real estate industry. By modernizing the Latin American markets through this collaboration, UCO and CILA are guiding organizations, empowering professionals, elevating industry standards, and delivering enhanced value to consumers. Currently, UCO is advising real estate organizations to adapt MLS solutions to the unique needs of markets across several regions, including South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and now, Latin America. These efforts are designed to elevate professionalism, increase market transparency, and build efficient MLS ecosystems that benefit agents, brokers, and consumers worldwide. Learn more at stellarmls.com/Global .
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2025) — Stellar MLS, the largest multiple listing service in Florida and Puerto Rico and one of the most influential in the U.S., has announced a reciprocal MLS access agreement with State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. State-Wide MLS is a subsidiary of the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS, a non-profit real estate trade organization serving approximately 6,000 members in nearly 1,000 offices across Rhode Island and neighboring states. State-Wide MLS customers can seamlessly search and view listings in both systems, without the need for additional memberships. The collaboration goes beyond data access, offering a powerful avenue for customers to expand their referral networks and explore new market opportunities. Effective Tuesday, Oct. 7, Stellar MLS and State-Wide MLS customers will have reciprocal access to each other’s listings. With broader visibility across state lines, customers gain a competitive edge, stronger referral opportunities, and the ability to grow their business in both local and out-of-market areas. “Our reciprocal MLS access agreement with State-Wide MLS is a win for real estate professionals, the consumers they serve, and ultimately, the industry as a whole,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS. “It enhances mobility between the two regions, whether customers have clients relocating, purchasing a second home, or investing out of state. Together, we are advancing data accuracy, transparency, and access--three pillars that define us at Stellar MLS.” Since both organizations utilize Matrix, real estate professionals will experience a seamless, familiar, and intuitive platform for viewing and sharing real-time data. This will simplify the process of assisting clients who are relocating, investing, or exploring new opportunities. Stellar MLS’s Reciprocal MLS Access at a glance: • A referral network of more than 401,000 real estate professionals; • Access to more than 326,000 listings; • Domestic coverage of 11 states and territories; and • International coverage of 17 countries. “We are thrilled with this partnership opportunity,” said Philip Tedesco, CEO of State-Wide MLS. “Rhode Island has many residents spending a lot of time in Florida, so reciprocal MLS access with Stellar MLS makes a lot of sense for us. Our collective customer-base will benefit greatly from the visibility in each other’s marketplace.” # # # 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 over 84,000 customers and supports real estate agents and brokers across 21 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.
FLORIDA, U.S. (Oct. 2, 2025) – Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest and most influential MLSs in the U.S., took the stage as Title Partner for the third annual International MLS Forum. Hosted by the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and the European Association of Real Estate Professions (CEPI) , the two-day forum (Sept. 25–26) in Toronto gathered industry experts worldwide to explore MLS culture, global business models, emerging technologies, government regulation, and broker-driven innovation. A highlight of the event was UCO’s signing of a landmark agreement with Advanced Real Estate Services (United Arab Emirates), Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (Canada), Syndicat National Des Professionels Immobiliers (France), and San Diego MLS (U.S.). The five-way collaboration launched as Global Data Exchange (GDX), will enable secure cross-border data sharing through UCO’s parent company, Stellar MLS, and set a precedent for global marketplace connectivity. The first of its kind , GDX demonstrates how MLS standards can transcend borders, giving real estate professionals access to richer, more reliable listing data and helping consumers benefit from greater transparency and efficiency with international transactions. “GDX reflects how far we’ve come—turning vision into reality and paving the way for professionals to securely access global listing data with confidence and integrity,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. “By leveraging RESO standards, we set the stage for a truly connected global marketplace.” As was the case in previous years, UCO leadership played a central role throughout the forum, moderating multiple panels, shaping critical conversations and sharing key learnings. From innovation and emerging market opportunities to lessons from years of building and scaling MLS solutions, UCO’s proven expertise positioned its leaders at the forefront of the conversations shaping tomorrow’s real estate marketplace. COO Shayne Fairley emphasized the importance of UCO’s active presence: “Being at the center of these conversations is crucial—not only for UCO, but for the industry as a whole. At the International MLS Forum, collaboration becomes action. It’s where the right people and the right ideas converge to shape tomorrow’s real estate marketplace.” Looking ahead, the forum confirmed its future direction with Martin Mucha, CEO of Igluu, named Host Partner for the 2027 event in Prague following the 2026 forum in Abu Dhabi. The announcement underscores the forum’s growing role as the premier stage for advancing MLS collaboration worldwide. Beyond the event, UCO continues to expand its support and impact by advising organizations across Europe, South Asia, and Latin America on implementing MLS solutions tailored to local markets—driving transparency, professionalism, and sustainable growth across global real estate.
Stellar MLS continues its momentum with a historic Q3.
Celebrate the induction of Merri Jo Cowen, Stellar MLS CEO, into the CMLS Hall of Fame, honoring 40 years of leadership and innovation in the MLS industry.
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.
