MLS Credential Request

What You’re Setting Up

Data feed access from your MLS (Multiple Listing Service) board. This gives us the credentials we need to pull listing data, photos, agent info, and other real estate data into your system.

This is not something you set up yourself in a portal. You contact your MLS board and request access, then wait for them to provision credentials. Plan for 2-4 weeks from request to receiving credentials.

Prerequisites

• An active real estate license
• MLS board membership in good standing
• A clear idea of what you’re building (the MLS will ask)

IDX vs. VOW vs. Data Feed

Before you contact your MLS, understand what you’re asking for:

• IDX (Internet Data Exchange): Display listings on a public-facing website. Has display rules — you must show listings in specific ways and include required disclaimers. This is what most agent websites use.
• VOW (Virtual Office Website): Display listings to registered, logged-in users. Allows showing more data than IDX but requires user registration.
• Data Feed (RETS/RESO Web API): Raw data access for backend processing. Used for CRM integrations, analytics, custom search tools, and anything that isn’t just displaying listings on a website.

For integration work, you usually need a data feed. If you’re building a property search website, you may need IDX or VOW access specifically. We’ll tell you which one your project requires.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify Your MLS Board

Most agents know their MLS board. Common examples:

• Bright MLS (Mid-Atlantic)
• CRMLS (California)
• Stellar MLS (Florida)
• NWMLS (Pacific Northwest)
• REcolorado (Colorado)

If you’re a member of multiple boards, you’ll need credentials from each one separately.

2. Contact the MLS

Find the MLS board’s technology or data access department. This is typically available through:

• Their member portal
• A support phone number
• An email address for data feed requests

Ask specifically for RESO Web API access or RETS data feed credentials, depending on what the MLS supports. Many are transitioning from RETS to RESO Web API, and some support both.

3. What They’ll Ask You

Be prepared to provide:

• Your real estate license number
• Your brokerage name and office
• The intended use of the data (e.g., “CRM integration,” “property analytics,” “custom search application”)
• The vendor or developer who will be accessing the feed (that’s us — we can provide our company details)
• Whether you need IDX, VOW, or raw data feed access

Some MLS boards require the developer (us) to sign a separate agreement or be listed as an authorized vendor.

4. Wait for Provisioning

After approval, the MLS provisions your credentials. This typically includes:

• A server URL or API endpoint
• A username and password (for RETS) or API key and secret (for RESO Web API)
• Any user agent string requirements (RETS-specific)

Timeline varies by board. Some are a few days, others take 3-4 weeks. Follow up if you haven’t heard back in two weeks.

5. Send Us the Credentials

Once you receive credentials, send them to us through the secure link we provide. Include the MLS board name and any documentation they sent about connection details.

Common Issues

Request Denied

MLS boards occasionally deny requests if the intended use doesn’t align with their data policies. Be specific and honest about what you’re building. We can help you draft the request if needed.

Credentials Expire

Some MLS boards issue credentials that expire annually or require periodic renewal tied to your license renewal. If the integration stops working around your renewal date, check your credential status with the MLS.

Multiple MLS Boards

If your market spans multiple MLS boards, you need separate credentials from each. The data formats may differ between boards, which we handle in the integration.

Next Steps

• Once you have credentials, set up the connection: RETS Connection Setup or RESO Web API Setup
• Learn more about our MLS Integration Services