How to Get MLS Data (and the Gate Around It)
MLS data is the source real-estate agents use — and it's deliberately walled off from everyone else. Here's how the gate works, and what to use if you're outside it.
What the MLS is
A Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a private, regional database of active listings shared among member brokerages. Modern access is standardized through RESO (the Real Estate Standards Organization), which defines the Web API brokerages and their vendors use.
Why it's gated
MLS data is not public. Access is restricted to licensed real-estate brokerages and the vendors they authorize — the brokerage, not the individual agent, is the licensed participant. RESO itself doesn't hand out data; you work directly with each local MLS under its rules. There is no consumer sign-up.
Can the public access it?
Generally, no. If you're not a licensed professional (or working directly with one), you can't get a raw MLS feed — and MLS data can't be freely resold by third parties. Consumer sites display some MLS listings under strict display rules, but that's not the same as data access.
The open alternative
If you need property data and you're outside the MLS gate, public records are your open path. RealEstateDataset compiles public U.S. property records — characteristics, sales, and tax history for ~146M properties — into free, CC0 files you can download with no license and no gate. For current, per-property data, the Straply API serves the same records live. We compile public records; we don't resell MLS feeds.
Frequently asked
Is MLS data available to the public?
Can I access MLS data without a real-estate license?
What is RESO?
What's the alternative to MLS data?