Northwest MLS to Launch Inclusive Voice-Activated Home Search

Published on: July 21, 2025

Home search is entering a new era—one that’s more intuitive, inclusive, and accessible. Today, Northwest Multiple Listing Service (Northwest MLS) announces the launch of Finding Homes, the bilingual, voice-activated home search experience, making it easier than ever for homebuyers to find properties that truly match their lifestyle needs.

The new platform allows consumers—including those with visual impairments, mobility limitations, and other accessibility needs—to search for real estate listings using simple, conversational speech.

Finding Homes, developed by Lundy Inc., is a voice-enabled home search tool that works in both English and Spanish.  It lets users search for property listings from the multiple listing service marketplace through any Alexa-enabled device or app.

“The introduction of Finding Homes is about meeting buyers and sellers where they are—whether they’re visually impaired, have accessibility needs, or simply prefer voice interaction,” said Justin Haag, President and CEO of Northwest MLS. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and innovation in real estate.”

In addition, Northwest MLS stands apart as the only multiple listing service in the nation that prohibits exclusionary listing practices, where member firms commit to share all listings with the entire brokerage community and the public. “We are committed to ensuring full market visibility, giving all buyers and sellers—regardless of background or ability—equal opportunities to access data and find homes that meet their needs,” Haag said.

Unlike traditional listing sites that rely on dropdown filters and keyword inputs, Finding Homes understands natural speech and delivers listings tailored to buyers’ real-life needs. A few examples of hypothetical voice prompts might include:

• “I want a house with a big yard and a quiet office in Bellingham.”
• “We need something near a park for our kids in Tacoma or Seattle.”
• “What does the house look like? Does the kitchen have granite countertops?”
• “Find houses with two bedrooms that are eligible for the Down Payment Resources program.”

“Finding Homes turns the home search into a natural, conversational experience. You ask, it listens—and returns homes that match your life, not just your filters,” said Justin Lundy, CEO of Lundy, Inc. “Northwest MLS is at the forefront of making home search inclusive and intelligent.”

Advancing Accessibility in Real Estate

The new offering builds on Northwest MLS’s longstanding leadership in real estate accessibility. In 2018, Northwest MLS received Northwest Access Fund’s “Best Practices Award” for pioneering a system of more than 100 accessibility features in its listings, including:

• Accessible entrances and exteriors
• Wide doorways and hallways
• Accessible kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom features
• Smart home technology

These enhancements were developed in collaboration with Able Environments, the creators of the ARES (Accessibility Real Estate Specialist) training designation. The ARES curriculum offers best-in-class training through an accredited course that equips agents to better serve clients with accessibility needs.

“We’re thrilled about Northwest MLS’s new collaboration with Finding Homes and the integration of our accessibility work into the amazing listing search tool they’re offering,” said Barry Long, co-founder of Able Environments, LLC. “The Finding Homes platform is making a real impact—and like so many great accessibility innovations, it’s not just helping those who need it most, it’s improving the real estate listing search experience for everyone.”

Start Searching Today

If you have an Amazon Echo device or the Alexa app, just say: “Alexa, start Finding Homes.” Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a family on the go, or someone seeking an accessible space to call home, your next home is just a conversation away.