The Wisconsin Real Estate Exchange (WIREX) is proud to celebrate its 17th anniversary, marking nearly two decades of providing real estate professionals with the most
comprehensive MLS data share in the state — a model that has inspired similar initiatives across the country.
WIREX is a collaborative data share between seven multiple listing services (MLSs) in Wisconsin, giving members access to more than 90% of the state’s listed properties.
“WIREX has profoundly transformed how real estate professionals connect and conduct business in Wisconsin,” said Chris Lambrou, Interim CEO at Metro MLS. “For 17 years, it has broken down data silos, empowered agents with better tools and set a standard that other states have looked to replicate.”
Launched as a cooperative effort between Multiple Listing Service Inc. (Metro MLS®), South Central Wisconsin MLS, and Northeast Wisconsin MLS in 2008, WIREX began by integrating shared MLS content into local MLS systems, including Innovia, Paragon and Flexmls. Over time, services such as WIREX IDX were added to expand member benefits and streamline data client services.
In late 2009, the Central Wisconsin Board of REALTORS® joined WIREX, making its listings available statewide while importing WIREX listings back into its Paragon system. By mid-2011, five more MLSs joined the initiative, solidifying WIREX’s position as the most extensive statewide real estate data collaboration in Wisconsin’s history.
Today, the seven participating MLSs update the WIREX database electronically multiple times each day, ensuring members always have access to the most accurate and up-to-date property information. The platform streamlines the real estate process for professionals, buyers and sellers.
“For many years, Wisconsin has distinguished itself as a leader in shaping a strong and reliable landscape for buyers and sellers, driven by excellence in sales practices, innovative systems and forward-looking legislative services,” said Paula Hall, Executive Vice President at REALTORS® Association of Northeast Wisconsin. “WIREX is a prime example of a system that creates additional opportunities to service our communities by increasing the level of competition and transparency to the nation’s marketplace.”
As WIREX celebrates this milestone, it remains committed to its founding mission: to provide seamless, reliable access to statewide listing data so real estate professionals can better serve their clients and communities.
