Sam DeBord to Keynote International MLS Forum in 2026
The 4th International MLS Forum convenes in Istanbul this November to address barriers in cross-border property investment.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Real Estate — General
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Real Estate Standards Organization CEO Sam DeBord will keynote the 4th International MLS Forum, which is scheduled for November 16-17, 2026. The event in Istanbul, Türkiye, focuses on unifying global property data to assist in the $1 trillion international real estate market.
Why it matters
Fragmented listing information frequently complicates the process for international buyers seeking to invest in foreign property markets. Industry leaders hope to establish better standards to create an interoperable information marketplace.
International buyers purchase over $1 trillion in real estate annually, highlighting the need for better data connectivity. This November marks the 4th edition of the International MLS Forum.
The players
Sam DeBord
He serves as the CEO of the Real Estate Standards Organization and is a key figure in developing data protocols for the property industry.
First MLS
This organization operates a regional multiple listing service based in Atlanta and has begun expanding its data reach internationally.
The details
The forum will gather brokers, technology providers, and MLS executives to discuss how organizations can foster a more cohesive cross-border market. Data partners are already working to bridge systems, such as the recent connection between First MLS in Atlanta and a partner in Italy.
Timeline
The 4th International MLS Forum takes place on November 16-17, 2026.
Culture Shift
The 4th International MLS Forum continues the push toward a unified, technology-driven global real estate market that transcends national borders. This shift toward standardization reflects a broader transition away from localized, proprietary data silos that previously limited international investment.
Buyers looking to purchase property outside of their home country may eventually find it easier to search and verify listings as databases become more interoperable. Investors should anticipate a more streamlined experience as international standards for property data adoption increase.
The takeaway
DeBord will challenge attendees to define their role in the growing international real estate landscape. Industry professionals are encouraged to monitor how these new data standards will impact their local brokerage workflows.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in the property market on our Real Estate — General page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TechFinancials.
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Should real estate listings be transparent and accessible to international buyers across borders?
