Thread: Need to obtain a Real Estate MLS database

Hello everyone...hope everyones well.

I'm re-vamping a Real Estate website and need to add MLS to the site. I understand MLS to be a Multiple Listing Service for homes within your area or state.

My question is...how can i obtain this database? Where can I go, about how much would it cost?

Can someone shed some light on this?

Thanks so much...

Drew

What you are looking for is either a raw data feed of the MLS(multiple Listing Service) an IDX(Internet Data Exchange) provided by the board which you can frame into the website, or lastly a third party IDX solution which usually requires an additional monthly payment to the third party providor.

Lastly, There is also a solution called a VOW(virtual office website) which in simple terms is an IDX on steroids, but requires that the user enter into a contract with the company online as a buyers representative for a period of time before they can access the results.

Hope that helps.

Chief

thanks chief...yes i'm looking for the MLS...i'm creating this website so i'm guessing I'll have to inform the client to sign up for MLS within there area.....?

Unless your broker is in a non populated area, chances are , they are already a member of their local board, and part of the being a member of the board is access to the MLS. What they need to provide you with is who they have contracted to provide thier MLS services. You can also contact the board directly and find our who provides their MLS services and if they have contracted that company to provide an IDX solution to their members. They may also know if you they have any signed agreements with third party providers of IDX solutions and if so whom they are. Usually however, the person you are speaking with you will not know if any third party agreements are in place.

Good Luck,

Chief

awesome...thanks for that information Chief....i've got a better idea of where we're at

thanks so much...

some brokers offer free access to the MLS FTP server, so you might be able to get that. if not, then your client has to pay for the solutions available from MLS