08/05/2026
Sometimes, you find yourself facing an uphill battle on the hill you choose to defend.
Over the past year, I have been advocating for a critical change in professional standards after discovering that one of the real estate boards to which I belong was sharing sales data directly with local appraisal districts. To me, this is not a matter of interpretation; it is a fundamental issue of data integrity and our fiduciary duty to protect our clients.
I must be candid: mobilizing support for this initiative was challenging. I have observed that many professionals prioritize day-to-day operations, often overlooking the long-term impact of data exposure on their clients. There is a frequent reluctance to engage in advocacy or address systemic issues that require difficult conversations. I have learned that, at times, maintaining one’s integrity requires the willingness to stand alone.
Despite the adversity, I remained committed to this cause. I engaged with my State Legislative Representative and collaborated with a coalition of brokers and agents who shared my concerns. As members of this professional organization, we contribute to a lobbying organization dedicated to protecting property rights; therefore, it is imperative that we hold our own local organizations to that same standard of advocacy.
The result: Our efforts culminated in a formal member vote. I am pleased to report that over 80% of our members voted to terminate this practice, and the board has honored that decision.
However, the work is far from complete. There are approximately 32 real estate boards in Texas that continue to grant appraisal districts access to Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data.
If you are a consumer or a property owner, I encourage you to inquire with your agent, broker, or local board regarding their data sharing policies. If they are granting access to your sensitive sales data, I urge you to advocate for the elimination of this practice.
This experience serves as a reminder to be strategic in the battles we choose. However, once a principle is established, one must remain steadfast. My commitment to my clients and the public remains unwavering, and I will continue to advocate for the transparency and protection that every property owner deserves.
