Understanding National MLS Data Access

Overview of MLS Data Fragmentation

The process of accessing MLS (Multiple Listing Service) data is not straightforward due to the fragmented nature of the data across the U.S. and Canada. There is no universal solution that provides access to all MLS data across these regions. Instead, access to an MLS's data requires membership in an association that is part of that MLS.

Who Can Access MLS Data?

Access to MLS data is restricted to members of the MLS. These members are typically licensed real estate agents, teams, or brokerages who are part of an association that belongs to a specific MLS.

The Landscape of MLS in North America

There are hundreds of individual MLSs across the U.S. and Canada, each serving different geographical areas and markets. For a comprehensive list of these MLSs, you can visit our MLS Directory.

National Aggregation Attempts

While the fragmented nature of MLS data creates challenges, there have been attempts to provide broader access through national feeds. However, these solutions come with significant limitations that often make them unsuitable for comprehensive real estate operations.

ListHub (U.S.)

ListHub is a division of realtor.com® that provides a national MLS feed in the United States. However, this feed has several important limitations:

Active listings only: The feed contains only currently active listings, not sold or expired properties
Partial coverage: It does not contain all listings, only those from participating brokerages and MLSs
Publisher use only: The feed is designed specifically for publisher websites and is not intended for agent use
Restricted applications: Publishers typically use this data for ancillary services, such as websites that market moving services to property browsers
Agent restrictions: Real estate agents cannot use ListHub data to market their real estate services
Strict display requirements: Listing agent names and contact information must be clearly displayed for each listing

This means that while ListHub provides national real estate data aggregation, it serves a different market segment than direct MLS access, which is designed for licensed real estate professionals conducting business transactions.

Accessing MLS Data in Canada: CREA DDF

In Canada, there is a national feed known as CREA DDF (Canadian Real Estate Association Data Distribution Facility) that provides access to MLS data. This feed allows any CREA member, regardless of where they are licensed in Canada, to access a collective pool of listings. However, it's important to note that while CREA DDF facilitates broader access, it also has limitations in terms of the depth and timeliness of data compared to accessing data directly from a local MLS. For more details on accessing MLS data across Canada and understanding the limitations of CREA DDF, please refer to our detailed guide here.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of MLS data access requires understanding the specific requirements and restrictions of each MLS. While there are solutions like ListHub in the U.S. and CREA DDF in Canada that offer more generalized access, they may not meet all needs, especially for those requiring the most current and detailed data available. These national feeds serve specific purposes but come with restrictions that limit their utility for comprehensive real estate operations.

For real estate professionals looking to integrate MLS data into their operations, it's crucial to consider these factors and plan accordingly. The fragmented nature of MLS data means that accessing comprehensive, timely, and detailed information often requires direct relationships with local MLSs rather than relying on aggregated national feeds.

Updated on: 25/06/2025