Hello Board,

I am a web developer and I have a huge interest in MLS. Can anyone point me in a direction to where I can find documentation or solid information about MLS?

Thanks,

Jay

What type of information were you looking for specifically?

If you just want general info, this websit has a little information. http://www.realestateabc.com/insights/mls.htm

Hello Dee,

I am a novice at MLS right now, so any information is cool. Thanks for your guidance.

So, every city has their own MLS database? There isn't one central location? Hmmmmm.. Interesting. Can real estate agents pull this data into their web sites? Can you get a feed in XML, plain-text, word? Just getting a feel of how powerful MLS could be. Thanks for any help.

-Jay

There are many different approaches to this. There is full access and IDX. IDX is probably what you want. Cost depends on region and tghe local board's policies. You typically must be licensed to display IDX on your website, and if you're wanting to be a vendor selling this to Realtors then you'll need to register and whatnot with the local board.

Go visit your local associatioon of Realtors for more info.

Jflynn,

Thanks for the info. I'm going to head over monday mornings. Thanks everyone.,

-Jay

I'm in the same position. I've done some research with my local MLS and the possibility of an XML feed is out of the question. Chances are you'll end up using some kind of iFrame or other junk code provided by the MLS. There really isn't a great way to integrate listings into a website, at least not something slick like an XML feed.

RealtyPresence,

Good info. I am very interested in working towards a standard for realtors to use that can easily integrate real estate information on-line. I built a complete content managemenrt system for a client of mine in Nevada. The content management consisted of a property management module, contact management module and custom relationship module. Is there a need fr this stuff in the realty industry?

-Jay

R.E.T.S. is the nearest thing to an IDX standard. The problem is that not many local MLSs have adopted it. If you wish to work towards a standard you can encourage your local MLS to adopt it.

Open-Realty has many features that you would include in a real estate CMS and what it doesn't already have can be easily integrated into it, including a custom IDX. With an existing large user base and excellent support (free and paid) you are only limited by your imagination.