We are in the real estate and have been pondering this problem for years.
It is not a technical problem, and there is no technical solution.
It's easy to make a better database, but it isn't useful if it isn't full of data. And you won't get lots of data because the network effects are too strong. It has been tried many times.
Besides that, you must realize that MLS's make most of their revenue from MLS fees; if they didn't run the MLS then they wouldn't have a very big budget, and many people would lose their jobs. MLS's have strong relationships with their members (agents and brokers). There is no incentive for anyone close to the data sources to support such a thing.
It is not a technical problem, and there is no technical solution.
It's easy to make a better database, but it isn't useful if it isn't full of data. And you won't get lots of data because the network effects are too strong. It has been tried many times.
Besides that, you must realize that MLS's make most of their revenue from MLS fees; if they didn't run the MLS then they wouldn't have a very big budget, and many people would lose their jobs. MLS's have strong relationships with their members (agents and brokers). There is no incentive for anyone close to the data sources to support such a thing.
To your point about making something "so much better" that they'd use a new system anyway, read this: http://www.inman.com/opinion/guest-perspective/2009/11/10/th...