Skip to main content
NCRMLS2

MLS RETS or API Data Feed

An RETS or API feed is a data connection that transfers listings data between a REALTOR’S® website and the NCRMLS.  It will update listings as properties come on or off the market.  Anytime a search for properties is online, you are using a website feature built with an RETS or API feed. Think about other real estate websites with this feature. As soon as you land on the home page, you see a search bar. And if you enter a search term, you see all the listings matching that term. The RETS or API feed is the data link that allows the website to display these listings and keep them up-to-date in an ever-changing market.

Data Feed Rules

It's important to note that data feed is a policy that governs which MLS data can be shared and displayed on a REALTORS® websites.

Who needs a data feed? 

You want to have MLS listings on your website.  A place where visitors – customers new and prospective – can search for homes, interacting with your brand, and surrounded by your contact information vs. paid ads from competitors.

It’s an agent must-have, simple in concept, and shared across the web. Yet, the real estate technology has done an excellent job confusing REALTORS® with terms like IDX, RETS, API, listing syndication, and broker reciprocity. 

NCRMLS provides simple solutions for IDX feeds into your website. We provide Framing/API/RETS feeds to ensure that our brokers have different ways to receive MLS data to your Website (IDX), BackOffice (FIU), or Virtual Office (VOW). 

IDX Feed

IDX is the most commonly used feed for REALTORS® websites.  This feed gives the website designer raw data and pictures, allowing control, flexibility and tracking of MLS data to your clientele.  All data given in an IDX feed is public data only.  

VOW Feed

VOW (Virtual Office Website) feeds are used for Business.  A VOW feed will have data that consists of what an agent will share with their clientele. 

FIU Feed

Firm Internal Use Feed (FIU) feeds are not for advertising, and cannot be used to display data on websites.  FIU feeds are used for Office use only.  This feed was commonly known as a Back-office feed.

Cost -  Contact your Association for IDX, FIU and VOW price.

Looking for an all-in-one website?

Have your own real estate website or building one from scratch and need your market's listings (IDX)? Live data options OR a beautiful, all-in-one website option are available.

IDX SmartFrame

 SmartFrame delivers simplicity and affordability without sacrificing any bells and whistles. Perfect fit for any website. 

Learn More

IDX Wordpress Plugin

IDX WordPress Plugin is full of search-engine optimized content, powerful widgets, and of course, a responsive design.  

Learn More

IDX Feed Website

IDX Feed gives website designer the raw data. Allowing control and flexibility in designing a REALTOR'®  website. 

Learn More

Broker or Agent Needing an IDX Solution?

Website (IDX) Vendors with Existing Data Access Agreements

Website
Website
Website
Website

BackOffice (FIU) Vendors with Existing Data Access Agreements

Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website

Join In

If you are a Website or BackOffice (IDX/FIU) Vendor and are interested in entering a Vendor Data Access Agreement with NCRMLS, and be advertised on this page – please contact rets@ncrmls.com. 


All other Website vendors will need to enter a Participant Data Access Agreement with the Broker and the Broker’s Association.  There is typically a setup and annual fee charged by the Association for these feeds.  Please have the Broker contact their Association for more details.

Data Feed Rules

It's important to note that data feed is a policy that governs which MLS data can be shared and displayed on a REALTORS® websites.