My partner and I have worked with several different boards and MLS' across the country. We've learned something rather interesting about NAR regs.

Apparently, if your MLS provides an open property search page for the general public, they are supposed to allow you, the members, a frame-set version of the search page to include in your site! They do not pass go and they do not collect $200.

We found this out only by digging through a Wisconsin MLS and reading the very buried fine print. The board only admitted it when we flat out asked.

This NAR rule IS subject to local exceptions, should any exist, but it's something to keep in mind and nothing anyone is going to tell you up front.

Save some cash and frame the MLS for free!

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CCD Realty One

[This message has been edited by CCD Realty One (edited 06-13-2004).]

I looked through my local MLS rules and regs and it said they would slap me with a $1000 fine if they found anyone framing any of the MLS site .... I guess my area must be one of the exceptions .

beachgal

You may want to double check with your state regs.

"INTERNET DATA EXCHANGE (IDX)
(Also referred to as Broker Reciprocity)

Internet Data Exchange (IDX) allows Participants of the South Central Wisconsin to display active MLS listings on their websites. Under IDX, SCWMLS Participants exchange consent to display each other's listings on their respective internet websites.

The following Statement of Multiple Listing Policy became effective upon approval by the NAR Board of Directors on May 22, 2000:

Associations of REALTORSŪ and their Multiple Listing Services are encouraged to immediately, and must by January 1, 2002, enable MLS Participants to display on Participants' public web sites aggregated MLS active listing information through, at Participants' option, either downloading and placing the data on Participants' public access web sites or by framing such information on the MLS or association public access web site (if such site is available) subject to the requirements of state law and regulation."
http://www.scwmls.com/mls_resource/resources.html#idx

My local MLS claims it needs $1,000 from me to access MLS data on behalf of a client/member of the board, per order of NAR. No other MLS has required anything more than a signed agreement acknowledging my responsibility in handling the data. Some boards are misinformed and others are just full of you-know-what.

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CCD Realty One

My local MLS offers IDX for around $10 per month. Do you think this is a good price. Do you think IDX is a good idea and is it easy to work with. I like the idea of clients being able to access MLS data without any of the listing agent contact details being available.

beachgal

BeachGal,

Are you familiar with Planet Realtor? Its run by FAR. This is where you get you IDX page to frame in your website. Being that your in Pensacola I am not sure if you use Planet or not.

Contact me off list and I'll send you the link that you are allowed to frame for Florida.

Take care..


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Tim Leffler
Support and Services
http://www.beyondsales.com

If you are not earning in the top 2% of your market place visit www.beyondsales.com to learn how!

Your FAR frame solution would look like this example: http://www.greatertamparealty.com/mlsframes.php

Log in with ellen/ellen

If you work for a broker, and they have a PlanetRealtor account, they can set you up with your own page. If you ARE a broker, you have to set up an account with them.

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CCD Realty One

Hi Tim,

I do have an account with Planet Realtor, so I'll take a look on there and see if I can find out anything. Thanks for the offer of help, I'll be in touch if I need to ask you anything.

beachgal

Hey Beach Gal and Tim..

yes the Planet Realtor has the IDX and it is on their... Since they redid the site, you may have to do some digging and searching for it, but you will find it... By the way everybody, I will have to admit that after seeing quite a few states Realtor(tm) sites, I will say, Planet Realtor in Florida is probably one of the best around... Great site, full of information... and if you dig around you will find even more info than you could ever believe...

Have a great night everybody..

Duane

Just spoke with my local MLS, they have no problem with me linking to their search page from my site at no charge. Also, they do not charge at all for IDX access.

Wow! Alert the media!

May I ask which MLS that is? In my experience, that is unusually reasonable!


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CCD Realty One

Hi Beachgal,

Did you ever get the information you need about Planet Realtor? Not only do they offer a frameable generic MLS Search page, but if you are a member, you have access to a "branded" MLS Search. That means your name, phone, and email address is on the MLS Search pages, perfect for easily framing into your website. I can send you the link to your branded search if you like.

You may not need to pay that $10/month to your local board if this service is already available to you.

Good luck

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AgentDeluxe.com

What your talking about is IDX or Internet Data Exchange.

You can read all about it at: www.Realtor.org.

NAR has mandated that Realtor MLS' should provide this service for their Realtor members. Some MLS' have elected to charge for it and some have provided it at no costs. There are approximately 900 different MLS systems nationwide.

You can't frame, or in any other manner, display or frame the MLS to the public but you can an IDX site IF that MLS has one.

That of course would be subject to any charges and rules that particular MLS has set.


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Jim Lee, CRS, ABR, GRI, e-PRO
Realty Executives Associates
Knoxville, Tennessee
http://www.KnoxvilleMLS.com
Jim@KnoxvilleMLS.com
1999 REALTOR of the year, Knoxville Association of REALTORS

I am not an attorney, I am not your attorney, and I am not giving you any legal advice. This response is only given for informational purposes and should not be construed or substituted for legal advice.