Before Maine Listings existed, Maine’s real estate professionals navigated a fragmented system. Thirteen separate Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) served approximately 2,600 members across the state. Three of those MLSs were broker-owned, while local Boards of REALTORS® operated the other ten. In those days, brokerage offices weren’t unusual in joining three or four different MLSs to cover their market areas. In the Bangor area, membership could cost around $10,000—though it did include a “free” fax machine.
In 1993, a group of forward-thinking brokers approached the Maine Association of REALTORS® (MAR) with a bold idea: create one unified, statewide MLS. They believed belonging to multiple MLSs to stay competitive was no longer economically sustainable. MAR recognized both the need and the opportunity. Local boards, unable to afford the high costs of electronic MLS systems alone, united under a single vision. Twelve of the thirteen MLSs agreed to consolidate, forming a statewide MLS. The Downeast MLS remained independent until 2010 when it joined after the retirement of its Executive Director. The vision was clear: give professionals statewide access, streamline operations, and better serve consumers. Committees were formed to develop governance, standardized forms, and a pricing structure. From the beginning, Maine Listings adopted an office-based pricing model that remains in place today.
In 1994, the Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc. (MREIS) was officially incorporated. Mark Friedman, who had served as the first President in 1993, became its first employee and Executive Director. Mark’s commitment to thrift and innovation set the tone for MREIS MLS. He often brought supplies from home—like a Gateway computer and even a garbage can—to help keep costs low. His first hire was Denise Libby in 1995, who joined to manage bookkeeping and system oversight as listings were uploaded into the new database. Slowly, a passionate and dedicated team came together—each member contributing to the success of what would soon be known as Maine Listings.
Mark Friedman was a true visionary. He frequently started conversations with “I was just thinking…” and brought ideas to life that were well ahead of their time:
Mark retired in 2007 after nearly 14 years, but his legacy and ideas remain part of our foundation.
After Mark’s retirement, leadership passed to several capable hands:
Now doing business as Maine Listings , the Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc., is a for-profit corporation wholly owned by the Maine Association of REALTORS® (MAR). MAR is our single shareholder and operates the MAR Foundation , which oversees the Affordable Housing Fund .
From a patchwork of local MLSs to a single, forward-thinking statewide organization, our story is one of innovation, cooperation, and vision. We’re proud of our past and even more excited about the future we’re building—together.