Who made this decision?

The decision was formally made by the ROAM Board of Managers, acting within its governance authority and fiduciary responsibility to the membership.

What was the timeline for making this decision?

This decision reflects several years of operational experience, member feedback, technical evaluation, and strategic planning.

What MLS systems are being retired?

ROAM will retire the existing Matrix, Paragon, and legacy Flex MLS systems.

What system is replacing them?

ROAM will deploy a new, ROAM-specific instance of the Flex MLS platform, designed to serve all ROAM members through a single, unified system.

Is the ROAM organization changing?

No. The ROAM organization is not changing. This is a platform unification and modernization, not an organizational change.

Will my data move to the new system?

Yes. Members will be converted to the new platform with their listings, contacts, and saved searches.

What about the Clareity dashboard?

The Clareity dashboard will be retired as part of the transition.

Are ancillary services going away?

No. All existing ancillary services will remain in place, including: Cloud CMA ShowingTime Lockboxes RentSpree RPR Other current integrations

Will local support still exist?

Yes. Local Association based support and training structures will continue. ROAM has also contracted for supplemental direct support resources from FBS, the maker of Flex MLS.

ROAM is a wholesale model billed directly to the Associations. ROAM has worked to maintain our current cost to the associations throughout the transition. There are no wholesale fee changes associated with this announcement. Any future changes would be communicated to the Associations, who competitively set their own rates for services rendered to members.

What problems does a single platform solve?

A unified platform: ● Eliminates data discrepancies and latency ● Creates 100% consistency across ROAM data ● Provides equal access to listings for all members ● Simplifies training and support ● Accelerates delivery of fixes and new tools ● Reduces long-term operating costs

Does this eliminate the need for multiple MLS subscriptions?

Yes. One of the benefits of unification is eliminating the need for multiple MLS subscriptions within ROAM.

Didn’t ROAM already consolidate listings?

Yes. ROAM successfully aggregated listings from multiple MLSs into a regional data server, significantly expanding listing exposure. However, maintaining multiple legacy front-end systems introduced technical and operational challenges that could not be fully resolved under the existing model.

Why didn’t “platform choice” work?

When given the option to standardize on a single platform, very few participants elected to do so. As a result, fragmentation, training complexity, and duplicated workflows persisted.

Why was the Flex platform selected?

Flex was selected because it supports MLS governance and data control, offers proven execution at scale, and provides flexibility to reflect real-world MLS workflows.

Is this about choosing a vendor?

The primary driver is the benefit of a single unified system for ROAM members. Flex was selected as the platform that best supports this goal.

Do other MLSs use Flex?

Yes. Flex is used by many MLS organizations nationwide and supports hundreds of thousands of real estate professionals.

Has Flex been validated by other MLSs?

Yes. Large MLS organizations across the country have publicly cited Flex as a strong partner with a track record of high user satisfaction.

What benefits will members see day to day?

Members can expect: A single point of entry for all listings Consistent data and workflows across markets Faster searches and streamlined workflows Strong mobile and tablet functionality Single Sign-On (SSO) across MLS tools

Will Flex work on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Flex offers full functionality across desktop, iOS, Android, and mobile web.

What happens before then?

The transition will follow a staged approach: Q1 2026 – Detailed planning, staff training, and communications Q1–Q2 2026 – System configuration and conversion preparation Q2–Q3 2026 – Testing and staff preview access Q3–Q4 2026 – Training and read-only access for members Q4 2026 – Conversion and go-live

Will there be training?

Yes. Comprehensive training, documentation, and advanced access will be provided well before the transition.

Will ROAM offer other platforms in the future?

Following the unified platform launch, the Board will continue to evaluate future opportunities, including potential additional front ends designed specifically for interoperability.

How will members be kept informed?

ROAM will provide ongoing updates, additional documentation, training opportunities, and forums for questions as the project progresses. Communications, support and training continue to be delivered to members by way of their local Association.

What is the ultimate goal of this change?

The goal is to simplify the MLS experience, reduce friction, and position ROAM for long-term success—so the MLS can not only make the market work, but make it work better for everyone.

Flex MLS Resources & Training Hub

Q: Were members or committees involved?

Yes. While the final decision rests with the Board, the evaluation process included input, testing, and advisory feedback from the ROAM Operations Committee, local Association’s MLS committees, and ROAM staff. The ROAM Operations Committee is composed of practitioners selected by the local Associations to represent the needs of participants and subscribers. ROAM Operations Committee members typically also sit on the local Association’s MLS committee.

ROAM MLS Platform Unification

Dear ROAM MLS Members,

Over the past several years, ROAM has achieved success in merging data, rules, and technology platforms across five local associations. Still, the feedback from brokers, agents, and local MLS committees indicates the current multi-platform environment is too slow to evolve, too complex, and inefficient to support at the level our members deserve.

After extensive evaluation, the ROAM Board of Managers has made the decision to unify ROAM MLS operations into a single, new statewide instance of the Flex MLS platform for all ROAM users, with a targeted launch in Q4 2026.

This decision and the impact upon brokers and agents were not taken lightly. Flex was selected as the MLS technology platform, only after extensive input and testing by the ROAM Operations Committee, local MLS committees, and staff. This change is essential to ensure long-term stability, innovation, and value for our members

We will continue to share details as plans are finalized and will provide training and resources well ahead of the transition.

ROAM exists to make the market work—and to make it work better for the professionals who rely on it every day. We appreciate your engagement and partnership as we move forward together.

Sincerely,
The ROAM MLS Board of Managers

More information from ROAM MLS

Click HERE to visit the ROAM MLS info page.

Frequently asked questions

As of January 21, 2026. Click HERE to download the FAQ document.

GOVERNANCE & DECISION MAKING

Yes. While the final decision rests with the Board, the evaluation process included input, testing, and advisory feedback from the ROAM Operations Committee, local Association’s MLS committees, and ROAM staff. The ROAM Operations Committee is composed of practitioners selected by the local Associations to represent the needs of participants and subscribers. ROAM Operations Committee members typically also sit on the local Association’s MLS committee.

How this decision was reached

Click HERE for a comprehensive overview

What is changing?

WHat is NOT CHANGING?

WHY ROAM IS MAKING THIS CHANGE

Maintaining multiple front-end systems—some 10+ years old—has become increasingly complex, costly, and limiting. It slows problem resolution, creates data inconsistencies, and makes it difficult to deliver improvements efficiently. While many of these issues can be resolved with a sufficient investment of time and money, the ROAM Board has determined the return on investment was insufficient to warrant other possible directions.

"For ROAM MLS, this decision eliminates the need for duplicative add-ons. It ensures the data is consolidated into one source, while providing the opportunity for greater cost savings to our members.

For our brokers, it takes us one step closer to eliminating the need to belong to multiple systems to access their data across geographic territories and multiple offices."
Rhonda Reap-Curiel, ROAM MLS President

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Why Flex

Flex is the 2nd most widely used MLS platform, serving 158 MLS organizations and 333,000 real estate professionals across the nation, they have high customer retention/satisfaction rates, and are at the forefront of MLS platform innovation, including AI tools. Flex offers a secure, reliable experience that many ROAM members already know, with flexibility to support changes while supporting future growth. Flex has received recommendations from Beaches MLS, our own REALTOR Association of Acadiana, and others. For more information about FBS, go to https://WeAreFBS.com/AboutUs/

"FBS (the maker of the Flex MLS system) has consistently demonstrated throughout these negotiation efforts to be a committed partner, providing ROAM with the necessary flexibility to make decisions while ensuring FBS's financial needs are met and that the necessary talent is in place to meet our potential rollout schedule.

Our newly established partnership with FBS will provide our members with access to an MLS platform that not only maintains many of the aspects and familiarity of their current native system but also offers them access to updated technology."
Rhonda Reap-Curiel, ROAM MLS President

Features & Member Experience

IMPLEMENTATION & TIMELINE

LOOKING AHEAD

PROJECTED timeline

Detailed project, training, and communications planning

Get started today.

Click HERE to access the Flexmls Academy.

Become a Member

NOMAR is the voice of real estate for the New Orleans region. When you join NOMAR, you become part of a rich legacy of advocacy, education and professionalism 110 years in the making.

Learn More

Become a Member

NOMAR is the voice of real estate for the New Orleans region. When you join, you become part of a rich legacy of advocacy, education and professionalism 110 years in the making.

Learn more

Flex MLS Resources & Training Hub

ROAM MLS Platform Unification

More information from ROAM MLS

Frequently asked questions

GOVERNANCE & DECISION MAKING

How this decision was reached

What is changing?

WHat is NOT CHANGING?

WHY ROAM IS MAKING THIS CHANGE

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Why Flex

Features & Member Experience

IMPLEMENTATION & TIMELINE

LOOKING AHEAD

PROJECTED timeline

Get started today.

Become a Member

Become a Member

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