Guide To Vendor Approvals and MLS Access
Repliers is an approved MLS vendor for every MLS whose members (agents, teams, and brokerages) we support. If you’re an agent, team, or brokerage, and you want to use Repliers’ services, you do not need to worry about the information in this guide.
However, if you’re a technology company—building software, websites, apps, or tools for real estate professionals—and you’d like to partner with Repliers to power your product with MLS data, this guide is for you.
We’ve also published a separate guide on partnering with Repliers as a real estate technology vendor, which we recommend reading first.
MLSs recognize that their members rely on outside technology providers for tools and innovation. As a result, MLSs have pathways for technology companies to become vendors, which allows access to listing data—**but with very specific rules**.
Here’s what you need to know:
Vendor access is for member-facing products only. The listing data you receive through MLS vendor approval can only be used in a product or service that's intended for MLS members (agents, teams, brokerages).
You cannot use MLS data in tools for the general public or for non-member clients, such as mortgage brokers or title companies.
You cannot launch your own consumer-facing product using the MLS data. Your tool must be used on behalf of an MLS member.
Your product or service must comply with the MLS’s rules—which vary between MLSs. For example, some may restrict how photos are displayed, how often listings are updated, or how long historical data can be stored.
In most cases, vendors cannot apply on their own. You’ll need a member endorsement to initiate the process.
This means:
A real estate agent, team, or brokerage that belongs to the MLS must request your product or service.
When you apply to the MLS, you'll need to provide the name, license number, and contact information of the participating member that is endorsing your application.
This is a key gatekeeping measure. MLSs only approve vendors that are building tools with real-world utility for their members—not speculative apps or products with unclear use cases.
Every MLS handles vendor approvals a little differently, but here are some common steps:
Application & Use Case Review
You'll typically need to describe the product or service you're building, how it uses MLS data, and who it’s for. Some use cases may not be eligible depending on the MLS.
Compliance Checks
You may be asked to demonstrate your product's compliance with MLS rules before full access is granted.
Test Data & Staging Access
Many MLSs provide access to a test or staging dataset first. You’ll need to complete development and showcase the finished product using this data.
Full Access Upon Approval
Once your product meets the MLS’s requirements, you may be granted production access.
Some MLSs have online portals where you can apply and manage access:
Trestle (CoreLogic)
MLS Grid
Bridge Interactive
Others have their own internal forms or application processes.
If you're unsure where to start, your best bet is to reach out directly to the MLS.
Here's a sample email you can use to reach out to an MLS and express interest in becoming a vendor:
Subject: Vendor Access Request – [Your Company Name]
Hello [MLS Contact Name or “Team”],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m reaching out on behalf of [Your Company Name], a real estate technology provider. We’re currently working with [Agent/Team/Brokerage Name], who is a participating member of your MLS, and they’ve requested to use our services.
We would like to begin the process of becoming an approved vendor to access your data feeds in order to support this member. Our product helps real estate professionals [brief one-line description of your product—e.g., “create automated market insights for their clients,” “run property search platforms,” etc.].
Could you please let us know what steps we should take to apply as a vendor?
Thank you,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Role]
[Company Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Website URL]
Repliers can help guide you through the vendor approval process and manage your MLS integrations once approved. If you're building a real estate product and looking to work with MLS data, get in touch with us—we’re happy to support.
However, if you’re a technology company—building software, websites, apps, or tools for real estate professionals—and you’d like to partner with Repliers to power your product with MLS data, this guide is for you.
We’ve also published a separate guide on partnering with Repliers as a real estate technology vendor, which we recommend reading first.
Why Do Vendors Need Approval?
MLSs recognize that their members rely on outside technology providers for tools and innovation. As a result, MLSs have pathways for technology companies to become vendors, which allows access to listing data—**but with very specific rules**.
Here’s what you need to know:
Vendor access is for member-facing products only. The listing data you receive through MLS vendor approval can only be used in a product or service that's intended for MLS members (agents, teams, brokerages).
You cannot use MLS data in tools for the general public or for non-member clients, such as mortgage brokers or title companies.
You cannot launch your own consumer-facing product using the MLS data. Your tool must be used on behalf of an MLS member.
Your product or service must comply with the MLS’s rules—which vary between MLSs. For example, some may restrict how photos are displayed, how often listings are updated, or how long historical data can be stored.
Member Endorsement Requirement
In most cases, vendors cannot apply on their own. You’ll need a member endorsement to initiate the process.
This means:
A real estate agent, team, or brokerage that belongs to the MLS must request your product or service.
When you apply to the MLS, you'll need to provide the name, license number, and contact information of the participating member that is endorsing your application.
This is a key gatekeeping measure. MLSs only approve vendors that are building tools with real-world utility for their members—not speculative apps or products with unclear use cases.
What the Application Process Looks Like
Every MLS handles vendor approvals a little differently, but here are some common steps:
Application & Use Case Review
You'll typically need to describe the product or service you're building, how it uses MLS data, and who it’s for. Some use cases may not be eligible depending on the MLS.
Compliance Checks
You may be asked to demonstrate your product's compliance with MLS rules before full access is granted.
Test Data & Staging Access
Many MLSs provide access to a test or staging dataset first. You’ll need to complete development and showcase the finished product using this data.
Full Access Upon Approval
Once your product meets the MLS’s requirements, you may be granted production access.
Vendor Portals & Platforms
Some MLSs have online portals where you can apply and manage access:
Trestle (CoreLogic)
MLS Grid
Bridge Interactive
Others have their own internal forms or application processes.
If you're unsure where to start, your best bet is to reach out directly to the MLS.
How to Reach Out to an MLS
Here's a sample email you can use to reach out to an MLS and express interest in becoming a vendor:
Subject: Vendor Access Request – [Your Company Name]
Hello [MLS Contact Name or “Team”],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m reaching out on behalf of [Your Company Name], a real estate technology provider. We’re currently working with [Agent/Team/Brokerage Name], who is a participating member of your MLS, and they’ve requested to use our services.
We would like to begin the process of becoming an approved vendor to access your data feeds in order to support this member. Our product helps real estate professionals [brief one-line description of your product—e.g., “create automated market insights for their clients,” “run property search platforms,” etc.].
Could you please let us know what steps we should take to apply as a vendor?
Thank you,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Role]
[Company Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Website URL]
Need Help?
Repliers can help guide you through the vendor approval process and manage your MLS integrations once approved. If you're building a real estate product and looking to work with MLS data, get in touch with us—we’re happy to support.
Updated on: 19/05/2025
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