What is MLS Data Share

What is Data Share?

A data share in the context of real estate Multiple Listing Service (MLS) platforms is a formal agreement between two or more MLS organizations to exchange, integrate and display their listing data. This arrangement enables real estate professional to view, search and market properties from a neighboring or partner MLS directly within their primary, "native" MLS system.

Key Aspects of MLS Data Sharing:

• Boundary-Free Access: Data shares break down geographical barriers, allowing agents to access a larger, regional, or even statewide pool of listings without needing to pay for multiple, separate MLS memberships.
• Real-Time Integration: Listings from partner MLSs are often updated several times an hour, ensuring that agents have near-instant access to new, changed, or pending properties.
• Single Login Efficiency: Agents can typically use their existing username and password to search for properties in both their own MLS and the partner MLS.

Types of Data Shares:

• Full, Native Data Sharing: This approach aligns data sets, allowing users to interact with all partner MLS data within their familiar, daily-use platform.
• Reciprocal View/IntraMLS: This method allows agents to switch between different MLS databases (often requiring them to be on the same software, like Paragon) to view data.
• RPR View: A widespread, cost-free tool where MLSs use the REALTORS Property Resource (RPR) platform to share on- and off-market listings with each other. 

Benefits to Real Estate Professionals:

• Comprehensive Market Knowledge: Agents can provide more accurate Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) reports by accessing a wider range of sold data.
• Increased Listing Exposure: Sellers benefit from their property being visible to a broader audience of agents and buyers.
• Cost Reduction: Data sharing can eliminate the need for agents to pay for multiple memberships, saving them money and reducing the need to manually enter listings into multiple systems.
• Streamlined Workflow: Agents can manage listings, search, and communicate with clients for a larger area without switching between different systems.

Limitations and Considerations:

• Private Fields Restricted: Data sharing often excludes sensitive "MLS-only" data fields (e.g., specific agent instructions or private contact information).
• Distinction from Reciprocal Access: Data share is a deeper integration than "reciprocal access," which is generally "guest access" that may require logging into a separate, unfamiliar system.
• Data Accuracy Mapping: Because different MLSs may have different fields, data shares require mapping to ensure that listing status (e.g., Active v Active Under Contract, Sold v Closed) in the "source" MLS is accurately translated for the "receiving" MLS.