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Texas real estate broker has filed a lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors and three other organizations, alleging monopolistic practices and discriminatory treatment. Luz De Amor Eytalis claims that requiring brokers to join multiple associations as a precondition for Multiple Listing Service (MLS) access restricts competition in the real estate market and disproportionately affects minority professionals.

    Eytalis, a licensed broker in Wichita Falls, Texas, is seeking policy changes and compensatory damages of at least $5.8 million. The complaint names the National Association of Realtors, the Texas Association of Realtors, the Wichita Falls Association of Realtors, and Paragon MLS Connect as defendants.

    This case joins others currently active in Michigan and Pennsylvania, which also challenge mandatory membership rules. A California case was dismissed but could be refiled next month. The lawsuits tie into NAR's August practice changes, which removed offers of compensation from MLS platforms, diminishing the value offered by associations.

    The outcome of these cases may erode NAR's three-way agreement, requiring real estate professionals to be dues-paying members of NAR and their local/state associations for MLS access. In response, some associations are preparing alternative options, such as Phoenix Realtors' new MLS Choice subscription service that provides MLS access without membership requirements.