March 23, 2026
Claire Brenneman
If you’ve ever wondered whether the Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS® (NMAR) and the Montana Regional MLS are the same thing…you’re not alone.
They work closely together, but they are separate organizations with different roles, different leadership, and different purposes.
Let’s break it down.
Who We Are: Your Local Association
The Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS® (NMAR) is a local trade association serving more than 1,300 members across Flathead, Lincoln, and Lake Counties.
Established in 1971, NMAR exists to support real estate professionals through:
- Advocacy at the local, state, and national levels
- Professional standards, including enforcement of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics
- Education and development, offering dozens of continuing education opportunities each year
- Local public relations, promoting the importance of using a REALTOR®
- Community outreach, giving back through local initiatives and partnerships
When you join NMAR, you’re also connected to the Montana Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, creating a three-tiered system that supports your business and the industry as a whole. More on this next week 😊
👉 In short: NMAR is your professional home.
What the MLS Is (and Isn’t)
The Montana Regional MLS is a separate, REALTOR®-owned company that provides a shared database of property listings and real estate data.
Its primary role is simple:
- Collect and distribute accurate, up-to-date listing information
- Provide tools that help brokers and agents cooperate and compete effectively
- Create a centralized marketplace for real estate across multiple regions
Over time, several local MLS systems joined forces to form a regional MLS, allowing multiple associations, including NMAR, to share one common platform.
👉 In short: The MLS is your data and transaction tool.
Why the Confusion?
Years ago, many associations owned and operated their own MLS systems.
As technology evolved (and let’s be honest, got more expensive), MLSs across Montana combined resources to create a more efficient, regional system serving multiple associations.
That collaboration is a big win for members, but it also blurred the lines.
Separate Organizations, Shared Success
Even though NMAR and the Montana Regional MLS work closely together, they are:
- Different legal entities
- Governed by separate boards of directors
- Responsible for different functions
Here’s the easiest way to think about it:
Why It Matters to You
Understanding the difference helps you know:
- Who to contact when you need help (spoiler: it depends!)
- Where your dues go
- What services you’re actually receiving
Both organizations are essential, but they serve very different roles in your business.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to choose between NMAR and the MLS, you benefit from both.
- NMAR helps you grow as a professional
- The MLS helps you do your job efficiently
Together, they create the foundation that supports your success in real estate.
Who Should You Contact?
Still not sure who to reach out to? Here’s a quick guide to point you in the right direction:
MLS Questions (Listings, System Access, Forewarn, ShowingTime)
Contact the Montana Regional MLS:
Molly Harris, Subscriber Relations
📧 molly@406mls.com
📞 406-752-0416 ext. 3
NMAR Questions (Membership, Billing, Education, Events, SentriLock Box Purchase/Transfer)
📧 info@nmar.com
📞 406-752-4313
Or connect directly with our team:
Membership Questions
Heidi Escalante, Member Services Coordinator
📧 heidi@nmar.com
📞 406-752-4313 ext. 1
Please note: Heidi is out of the office on Mondays.
Education & Billing Questions
Jayne Yatchak, Professional Development & Accounts Manager
📧 jayney@nmar.com
📞 406-752-4313 ext. 2
Jayne’s availability is currently limited. For the quickest response, please reach out earlier in the day or email in advance.