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Real estate has already learned what happens when the toothpaste gets out of the tube. Katie Smithson brings up that analogy when talking about Zillow, data, and why the industry may not want to repeat the same pattern with AI. Because once the technology moves faster than the rules around it, getting control back becomes a very different problem.
On this episode of REcore, Katie sits down with Art Carter and Tim Dain to talk about Project NexusRE, an effort to rethink the infrastructure behind MLS data before AI starts making those decisions for the industry. It’s not about stopping AI. It’s about building an environment where MLSs, brokers, agents, and vendors actually know the rules of engagement.
One of the wildest moments comes when Art asks Claude how to get CRMLS data. One answer: license it properly. Another: use a Chrome plugin. That’s the problem in a nutshell. When access becomes that easy, protecting the interests of brokers, MLSs, and the people behind the data becomes a much bigger conversation.
So what should an MLS actually be able to control? Can brokers decide where their data goes? Can the industry track individual fields, manage vendor access, reduce replication, and apply rules consistently across AI tools? Project NexusRE is essentially asking how much more visibility and control the industry could have if those capabilities were built into the infrastructure itself.
Here are the key takeaways:
(02:40) Why Project NexusRE Exists
(04:58) AI Agents vs. Human Real Estate Expertise
(07:48) Who Controls MLS Data Once It Leaves?
(10:36) Building One Governance Layer for MLS Data
(15:00) Tracking Every MLS Data Field
(16:39) Rethinking MLS Pricing for Machine-Scale Usage
(18:58) Can Data Replication Finally Be Reduced?
(22:09) Broker Controls NexusRE Wants to Build
(25:36) Could IDX Become More Broker-Directed?
(27:54) Claude Exposes the AI Data Access Problem
(29:54) Why MLS Infrastructure Should Stay Industry-Owned
Tim sums up the bigger idea with one line: “I firmly believe the industry should own that side of the business.” And he’s equally candid about the industry itself: “This industry loves to talk about collaboration, and then it likes to go into its little fiefdoms and do things separately.” This episode asks what might happen if, this time, real estate actually builds the next layer together. Tune in now!
About Tim Dain
Tim Dain is CEO of NorthstarMLS and one of the originators of Project NexusRE. The project grew from a bigger question: if the MLS were rebuilt today, what should change for an AI-driven world? Northstar initially committed $2 million to pursue the idea, which has since expanded into a broader industry effort focused on data governance, broker control, MLS economics, and infrastructure ownership.
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About Art Carter
Art Carter is the CEO of California Regional MLS and a founder of REcore. Since 2005, Art has helped lead CRMLS through its growth and has been involved in broader industry conversations around MLS data, infrastructure, and broker needs.
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About Katie Smithson
Katie Smithson is a long-time veteran of the real estate industry with a history of MLS relationship management and product innovation. In her most recent role, Katie was Chief Revenue Officer for California Regional MLS (CRMLS), directing revenue operations and ensuring proper communication and collaboration between all of CRMLS’s revenue-generating departments. In addition, she has also served as a NAR REACH mentor, board member for the Council of MLS with a CMLX 1 certification, and RESO Board Secretary.
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