Can an agent in referral status get MLS Now access?
No — not as an agent. An agent whose license is in referral status cannot become an MLS Now member as an agent. Referral status means the license is not actively held under a qualifying, participating brokerage, which is a requirement for MLS Now membership.
Agents affiliated with the following company or license types do not qualify for MLS Now access:
- Referral companies
- Holding companies
- Commercial-only companies
- Non-MLS companies (companies that have not yet applied to become MLS Now members)
To become eligible as an agent, the license must first be transferred to a brokerage that is an active MLS Now Participant.
Exception: Can they join as an Appraiser instead?
Yes — but only if they hold a separate, current, valid appraiser license or certification and are actively engaged in appraisal work in the MLS Now service area. Their referral status as an agent does not affect the appraiser pathway.
This is a separate membership type and requires its own application under the appraiser license — not the agent license.
What does the "Non-REALTOR Agent/Appraiser" option on the Roster Change Form mean?
This option refers to the brokerage being a non-REALTOR firm — not the individual joining. It applies when an agent or appraiser is affiliated with a brokerage that is not a REALTOR® member organization.
This option should not be selected based on whether the individual themselves holds REALTOR® membership.
Summary
- Referral status = cannot join as an agent. License must be under a qualifying participating brokerage first.
- A separate appraiser license is its own pathway and is not blocked by referral agent status.
- The "Non-REALTOR" option on the Roster Change Form refers to the brokerage type, not the individual.
Questions? Contact Membership at membership@MLSNow.com or (216) 485-4142.