President's Message: A New Chapter for RACC: Introducing Stellar MLS

To Our RACC Members:

Today, I am excited to share one of the most significant milestones in the history of the REALTORS® Association of Citrus County. After years of listening to member feedback, evaluating opportunities, and carefully considering the future of our Association, the REALTORS® Association of Citrus County has officially become a Corporate Shareholder of Stellar MLS. Beginning this fall, Stellar MLS will become the exclusive MLS provider for our members.

I know that whenever change is announced, it can bring questions and uncertainty. As REALTORS®, we build our businesses around the tools we use every day, so it's only natural to wonder what this transition will look like.

The good news is this: you're moving from one Matrix MLS platform to another Matrix MLS platform. While you'll enjoy a significantly larger MLS, more robust technology, and expanded opportunities, the overall experience will feel familiar. Because both systems utilize Matrix, we anticipate this being one of the smoothest technology transitions many of us have experienced.

This conversation didn't begin yesterday.

For many years, our members have asked the Board of Directors to explore the possibility of joining Stellar MLS. As the real estate industry has continued to evolve, particularly with the recent changes throughout the MLS landscape and the impacts of industry litigation, it became increasingly clear that this move positions our members for long-term success.

Your Board of Directors took that responsibility seriously. We listened, researched, asked difficult questions, and ultimately made the decision we believe best serves both today's REALTORS® and the future of our Association.

One of the things that made this partnership especially appealing is that RACC remains RACC. We are not merging Associations. We are not losing our identity. We remain your local Association with the same leadership, the same staff, the same advocacy, the same education, and the same commitment to serving Citrus County REALTORS®.

What changes is our MLS provider, and with that comes access to nearly 80,000 real estate professionals across Florida and Puerto Rico, expanded listing exposure, enhanced technology, stronger data partnerships, and a wealth of new business opportunities.

This partnership is about more than technology. It's about investing in you.

It's about providing our members with the tools they need to remain competitive in an ever-changing industry while opening doors to greater collaboration, broader market exposure, and new opportunities throughout Florida.

I know one of the biggest questions on everyone's mind is, "When does this happen?"

While we're not ready to announce specific transition dates just yet, please know that planning is already well underway. Our MLS Team has begun meeting with the Stellar MLS team and is actively working through the detailed process of mapping our MLS data to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

As we work through this transition, we also want to ensure that the expertise of our members helps shape the process. We are currently seeking REALTOR® volunteers to participate in data mapping workgroups for Rentals, Commercial, and Subdivisions. These workgroups will collaborate with our MLS Team and Stellar MLS to help ensure the data transition accurately reflects the needs of our local market and membership.

If you have experience in any of these areas and would like to be considered for one of these workgroups, please submit your interest by emailing mls@raccfl.com. We welcome members who are willing to share their knowledge and help make this transition as successful as possible for everyone.

As additional milestones are finalized, we will communicate timelines, important dates, and next steps every step of the way. At this time, we anticipate launching on the Stellar MLS platform during the fourth quarter (Q4) of this year.

Between now and launch, you'll receive frequent updates, training opportunities, educational resources, and detailed transition information so that every member feels prepared and confident on day one. We are committed to making this process as seamless as possible, and our staff, Board of Directors, MLS Board of Managers, and the Stellar MLS team will be with you every step of the way.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your trust and your continued support of our Association. We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to entering this next chapter together.

This decision was made with one goal in mind, to provide every RACC member with greater opportunities, stronger resources, and the tools needed to thrive in today's real estate marketplace and well into the future.

The future is bright, and we're proud to take this exciting step together as we continue to think Beyond the Sign™, embracing new opportunities that strengthen our members, our profession, and real estate throughout Citrus County.

About the REALTORS® Association of Citrus County

The REALTORS® Association of Citrus County (RACC) is the Voice of Real Estate in Citrus County, representing local REALTORS®, brokers, and industry partners dedicated to protecting property rights, promoting homeownership, and supporting a strong housing market throughout Crystal River, Homosassa, Inverness, Beverly Hills, Lecanto, Citrus Springs, Hernando, and surrounding communities.

As one of the leading professional associations in Citrus County, RACC provides education, advocacy, professional standards, market resources, and community outreach that strengthens both the real estate industry and the communities REALTORS® serve throughout Florida’s Nature Coast.

For media inquiries, market statistics, or additional information, please contact Association Executive Marsha Coleman at 352-746-7550 or via email at ae@raccfl.com.