The Northwest Multiple Listing Service launched a new ad-free consumer home search in partnership with Broker Public Portal.
The search function, powered by BPP’s Cribio technology, provides consumers with real-time MLS data and advanced search tools.
“The old site let consumers search for homes. The new one is designed to help them actually find the right one,” a NWMLS spokesperson told Seattle Agent. “The previous experience relied primarily on traditional filters such as price, bedrooms, bathrooms and location. Those still matter, but people don’t naturally think about a home as a list of database fields. Now consumers can search in everyday language for the things they actually care about — a home office, a large yard, a certain architectural style, space for aging parents or other specific features and preferences. Consumers can also save searches, favorite homes and receive alerts when new listings match their criteria or a property they are watching changes.”
The representative added that the primary goal of the new search function is to make the home search process “simpler and more natural for consumers.”
NWMLS CEO Justin Haag explained that consumers are entitled to accurate, comprehensive listing information.
“At NWMLS, we believe buyers and sellers benefit most when housing inventory is broadly available through transparent, trusted platforms that connect consumers directly with real estate professionals,” Haag said in a press release. “Consumers should also be able to clearly understand who is representing the seller and where the listing information is coming from.”
New features include an AI-powered search, direct broker attribution and an agent/brokerage directory. All NWMLS listings will also be broadcast on Cribio’s national platform.
“Bringing Cribio to Washington with Northwest MLS is a landmark moment for Broker Public Portal,” said CEO Dan Troup. “This partnership will allow us to create a better home search experience for consumers while continuing to strengthen the firms and brokers who serve them every day.”
NWMLS said the updated search aligns with state law, specifically Senate Bill 6091, which necessitated broad access to all listing data when it was signed into law in March.
“Home search should be built around homes and people, not advertising and lead sales,” said Jill Himlie, chair of the NWMLS Board of Directors. “This platform gives consumers a clean, trusted search experience while giving sellers maximized visibility without competing ads next to their homes.”