Big Brokerages Team Up: What Open Real Estate Means for You
You may have seen headlines this week about Keller Williams, eXp and a few other big names joining forces. A couple of people have asked me if they merged. They didn't! Here's what actually happened, in plain English.
What happened
Four of the country's largest real estate companies announced a shared listing platform called Open Real Estate. The founders are Keller Williams, HomeServices of America, Real REMAX Group, and AGNT, the parent company of eXp Realty and NextHome. They're all staying separate companies. They just want to build one shared pipeline for listings.
The idea is simple. An agent enters a home once, and it goes out to the MLS, the big home search sites, and other platforms all at the same time. Closer to home, Windermere has signed on as one of the first participating brokerages.
Why now?
It's really about private listings. More homes are being marketed quietly to a small group before the public ever sees them. These companies say they want every home to stay visible to every buyer, and they're pitching this as a partner to the MLS, not a replacement.
What it means for you
Nothing changes today. There's no launch date yet, and they don't expect to even pick a tech company to build it until early 2027. If you're buying or selling this fall or winter, your home search and your listing work exactly the way they do now.
My honest take? Anything that keeps more homes in front of more buyers is good news for sellers. I'll keep an eye on it and let you know if it turns into something real.
Meanwhile, here at home
NWMLS reported more homes for sale this September than in any September since 2014. Snohomish County single-family inventory was up about 44% from a year ago, and King County was up about 36%. Even so, prices held pretty steady. The median single-family home in Snohomish County sold for $750,000, the same as last September. In King County, the overall median held at $850,000.
What that means in real life: buyers have more choices and a little more breathing room, and well-priced homes are still selling.
On rates, they eased a little last week but are still hovering in the low 7s for a 30-year fixed. The Federal Reserve announces its next decision this week, and the midterm election is November 3. Either one can nudge rates around. That's not a forecast, just a reminder that rates move day to day. You can check the live daily rate anytime at Mortgage News Daily.
Curious about your own home?
These are county-wide numbers, and every neighborhood is a little different. If you or someone you love needs a hand with anything real estate, I'm here. No pressure, just help whenever you want it. Give me a call at 425-221-1670.
Talk to you soon,
Virginia
Market statistics based on information from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), September 2026 compared with September 2025. Figures rounded. Open Real Estate details are from the founders' October 26, 2026 announcement as reported by RealEstateNews.com and others. This is a snapshot, not a forecast. Rates change daily, so check the live index for today's numbers. Virginia Otter, Broker, John L. Scott Metro Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.