Accessing Real Estate Listing Data in Quebec
A common question we receive is whether we provide a feed for real estate listings in the province of Quebec. The short answer is "sort of." Here's why:
In Quebec, real estate listings are managed by a company called Centris. Centris holds all the real estate data for the province. However, unlike most regions in North America, obtaining a comprehensive feed of all listings in Quebec comes with a unique challenge.
Centris will only grant access to data from brokerages that have explicitly agreed to provide their listings. This means that to access all listings in Quebec, you must obtain authorization from every individual brokerage through Centris.
This approach differs significantly from most other regions in North America. Typically, a single (IDX or VOW) feed provides access to all listings within a region, and this feed is available for all realtors to use.
Another important consideration is that Centris does not provide historical listing data. They only offer access to active listing data. This means you will not have access to past listings, which can be a limitation if you require historical data for analysis or other purposes.
Contact Brokerages: Reach out to brokerages in Quebec to obtain authorization for their listings.
Authorization Through Centris: Once brokerages agree, Centris will grant you access to their data.
Download the Data: Download the data through Centris' FTP server.
While it is possible to access real estate listings in Quebec through our APIs, the process requires obtaining individual authorizations from brokerages via Centris. Additionally, keep in mind that only active listing data is available, not historical data. This approach is more complex and fragmented compared to other regions, but with the necessary authorizations, you can compile a feed of Quebec listings.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with this process, please do not hesitate to contact our support team.
Data Management in Quebec
In Quebec, real estate listings are managed by a company called Centris. Centris holds all the real estate data for the province. However, unlike most regions in North America, obtaining a comprehensive feed of all listings in Quebec comes with a unique challenge.
Brokerage Authorization
Centris will only grant access to data from brokerages that have explicitly agreed to provide their listings. This means that to access all listings in Quebec, you must obtain authorization from every individual brokerage through Centris.
Comparison with Other Regions
This approach differs significantly from most other regions in North America. Typically, a single (IDX or VOW) feed provides access to all listings within a region, and this feed is available for all realtors to use.
Historical Data Limitation
Another important consideration is that Centris does not provide historical listing data. They only offer access to active listing data. This means you will not have access to past listings, which can be a limitation if you require historical data for analysis or other purposes.
Steps to Obtain Listing Data in Quebec
Contact Brokerages: Reach out to brokerages in Quebec to obtain authorization for their listings.
Authorization Through Centris: Once brokerages agree, Centris will grant you access to their data.
Download the Data: Download the data through Centris' FTP server.
Summary
While it is possible to access real estate listings in Quebec through our APIs, the process requires obtaining individual authorizations from brokerages via Centris. Additionally, keep in mind that only active listing data is available, not historical data. This approach is more complex and fragmented compared to other regions, but with the necessary authorizations, you can compile a feed of Quebec listings.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with this process, please do not hesitate to contact our support team.
Updated on: 29/11/2024
Thank you!