News

Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO) Expands Global Presence with Strategic Engagements in Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Accra

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

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (June 30, 2025) – As demand for more transparent and collaborative real estate practices grows across the globe, Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO) is deepening its work with real estate leaders in several countries. Throughout the month of June, the team has been participating in key industry events in Barcelona (Spain), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Accra (Ghana), playing active roles in global conversations on real estate modernization and helping guide the expansion of Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) in emerging and evolving markets.

Throughout these events, UCO-Global is being called upon as a trusted advisor—sharing proven expertise from leading one of the largest and most influential MLSs in the U.S., empowering fair, efficient and connected marketplaces.

“Our involvement is part of a strategic, boots-on-the-ground effort to build relationships, offer guidance, and advance the professional infrastructure of real estate worldwide,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. “We’re proud to stand with our global colleagues and help country leaders adapt and localize the core principles of the MLS to their markets.”

Expanding Global Partnerships at eXpCON Barcelona 2025

Members of UCO-Global’s leadership team traveled to Barcelona for eXp Realty’s “eXpCON” June 23-25, an international real estate conference and trade show focused on innovation and emerging market opportunities. UCO-Global’s leadership reiterated its ongoing commitment to expanding global partnerships and fostering meaningful relationships across the international real estate ecosystem. The team engaged with eXp leaders and industry executives, further building trust and exploring global expansion strategies and long-term partnership opportunities.

“MLS expansion is a multi-stakeholder mission,” said Cowen. “Our goal as a trusted resource to the global broker community is to support, guide and provide MLS-informed solutions to emerging markets worldwide based on our proven expertise.”

Partnering with the European Association of Real Estate Professions

UCO-Global is a knowledge partner with the European Association of Real Estate Professions (CEPI) and, as such, served as an expert advisor at CEPI’s General Meeting June 12–13 in Amsterdam, which had representation from 22 member countries. UCO Vice Presidents of Global Markets Marion Weiler and Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, took part in a range of high-level engagements, including a visit to the headquarters of Funda (a real estate platform in the Netherlands), a presentation on the Dutch real estate market, and CEPI-led discussions reinforcing UCO-Global’s role as a trusted international collaborator within the CEPI network. With many countries now actively developing models based on MLS principles, UCO-Global’s presence was critical, strengthening its position within the European real estate community and more closely aligning with key industry developments.

“As a trusted knowledge partner and advisor, our unique position enables us to collaborate with CEPI and its many member countries, helping to advance the MLS across Europe,” said Weiler. “By sharing our expertise and providing groundwork for MLS education and awareness of the benefits, we’re supporting their efforts to modernize real estate practices and drive greater professionalism and transparency in the market.”

Unlocking Africa’s Potential for Sustainable Growth

Dr. Kallumadil was invited to speak and advise on MLS development at the Africa Real Estate Conference and Expo (ARCE) June 18-20 in Accra, an event bringing together real estate professionals, investors, developers, government officials, and other key stakeholders from across the continent. Hosted by the Ghana Real Estate Professionals Association (GREPA), the conference offered a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development.

Dr. Kallumadil was a featured presenter on “Revolutionizing Real Estate: The MLS Opportunity in Africa” and shared insights into leveraging the MLS. He then joined Vicky Sampah, CEO and Senior Project Lead of ARCE and founder and CEO of GREPA, for a fireside chat on how MLS strategies can elevate Ghana’s real estate ecosystem to better equip policymakers with trusted data, enhance real estate practices, and benefit communities.

“Ghana is leading the way in Africa by strengthening its real estate infrastructure and regulatory framework, including the licensing of professionals, creating new opportunities for growth. With political stability and increasing investment from the diaspora, the real estate sector is expanding rapidly,” said Dr. Kallumadil. “This is a pivotal moment to design and implement an efficient marketplace that equips both industry professionals and policymakers with the data and tools they need to thrive.”

UCO-Global’s leadership and presence at the events in Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Accra marked noteworthy progress in the company’s international initiatives, further solidifying UCO-Global’s strategic role within the growing global real estate industry. By collaborating with a diverse spectrum of real estate leaders, UCO-Global is helping shape conversations around modern real estate marketplaces, drawing on deep experience to reimagine MLS solutions tailored to each market’s unique needs.

About UCO

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.

At the European Association of Real Estate Professions’ (CEPI) General Meeting June 12–13 in Amsterdam, UCO Vice Presidents of Global Markets Marion Weiler and Dr. Mathew Kallumadil (at right), joined CEPI members Arturs Obrickis (left) and Giorgio Emiliano Pinna.

Photo Credit: Africa Real Estate Conference & Expo

UCO Vice President of Global Markets Dr. Mathew Kallumadil (left), discusses MLS strategies with Vicky Sampah, CEO of GREPA, and CEO and Senior Project Lead of the Africa Real Estate Conference and Expo, held June 18-20 in Accra, Ghana.

Photo Credit: Africa Real Estate Conference & Expo

UCO Vice President of Global Markets Dr. Mathew Kallumadil (at right), with (from left) Kojo Otu, Dr. Adeniyi Tinubu, Frank Oti, Patrick Moore, Vicky Sampah, Bill Endsley, Gizella Tettey-Agbotui and Emmanuel Tawiah at the Africa Real Estate Conference and Expo in Accra, Ghana, in June.

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Universal Consulting Opportunities and CILA Unite to Elevate the Real Estate Industry and Transparency Across Latin America

By Warner Ransone • October 9, 2025

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 .

Stellar MLS Announces Reciprocal MLS Access Collaboration   with State-Wide MLS

By Mackenzie Riley • October 7, 2025

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Universal Consulting Opportunities Champions Global Collaboration at the International MLS Forum in Toronto

By Warner Ransone • October 2, 2025

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.

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NAR India Appoints UCO as Exclusive MLS Implementer to Transform Indian Real Estate and Unlock Global Opportunities

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.