Buy MLS?

[Debbie]

The realtors we used that we purchased the properties have never failed to "forget" to give us MLS listing and/or SOLD comps. We even paid them to print out MLS and SOLD comps but still, they always leave things out. Needless to say, we're tired of it.

We're seriously thinking of buying the MLS for local purposes. I don't know if it's some kind of prescription or what. We want the MLS that allows us to see the details that realtors see.

We also want the SOLD comps as well.

Knowing that the realtors aren't going to be honest with us, is there a way we can get it? Once, a realtor told me that it costs $500 per year but wouldn't tell me how to get it.

Hopefully, all MLS and Sold comps can be seen via online.

Can you help?

[brianb_cobbres]

http://www.firstamres.com/products/realist.jsp


Give them a try.

As for the MLS, that is for licensed realtors only.

[AIR]

I asked the same question to my friend/realtor and he said he was only able to use it through his real estate company. Tomorrow I will try and get some more info from him.

[Debbie]

http://www.firstamres.com/products/realist.jsp

Give them a try.

As for the MLS, that is for licensed realtors only.

Brian,

I'm VERY interested in the website link you provided.

However, it's not clear on whether the pricing is for limited (ie one property) or unlimited properties either option pricings.

Do you know?

[ThreeRiversREI]

However, it's not clear on whether the pricing is for limited (ie one property) or unlimited properties either option pricings.

Looked to have one set of prices that was strictly per report.
Pricing Option 1 - No Annual or Monthly Commitment
Features Price
Property Profile Reports $2.00
Comparable Sales $3.50
Street Maps $0.50
Parcel Maps/(Assessors Maps) $2.00
Flood Maps $2.00
ValuePoint Lite $7.00
Record Downloads $0.20
Demographics Reports $2.00
Neighbors Reports (Comps) $3.50
Building Sketches $4.00


And a second, lower, set of prices if you paid an annual contract of $3600 (billed at $300/month).
Pricing Option 2 - Annual Commitment - $300 Monthly
Features Price
Property Profile Reports $0.95
Comparable Sales $2.65
Street Maps $0.20
Parcel Maps/(Assessor Maps) $1.20
Flood Maps $0.75
ValuePoint Lite $4.00
Record Downloads $0.20
Demographics Reports $1.00
Neighbors Reports (Comps) $2.65
Building Sketches $1.20


What wasn't clear would be if the lower prices would be billed against the $300 (Commitment to spend at least $300/month, 114 "Comparable Sales" reports, for example) or in addition to (break even at 353 "Comparable Sales" reports if that was all that was run in a month, for example).

In the first case, if the only report that was ever run was "Comparable Sales" reports, it would take 114 reports/month. (Total of $302.10) This could make sense for a serious investor.

In the latter case, with the same report, it would take a total of 353 reports per month to come out ahead. ($300+353*$2.65=$1235.45 vs 353*$3.50=$1235.50, a saving of 5 cents.) This would be a LOT harder to justify, needing roughly 12 reports to be run per day, every day, weekends and holidays included. Then again, at that rate it would run a total of roughly $15k/year (4300 reports/year) which should be easy to cover with a single flip.


So, Brian, which is it?

[brianb_cobbres]

I really do not know the details. I get it free through the FMLS.

[thepower]

I happen to have the GA MLS however the website Brian linked I pay as a go. so if i only pull 2 reports, I pay like 2-3 bucks per report & its debited from my business bank card.

[Ryan Webber]

I would recommend that you ask the primary agent that you are working with for their log in information to the MLS. That's how I have it. Some agents will tell you no, but some will say yes.

[Debbie]

I would recommend that you ask the primary agent that you are working with for their log in information to the MLS. That's how I have it. Some agents will tell you no, but some will say yes.

I have thought of that many times but didn't ask.

I didn't want to chance any potential problem for the agent. Or, am I being foolish thinking that?

I did think of paying a portion of the agent's MLS fee for ethical purposes but I held off saying anything in case.....well....I don't know what.

Am I foolish for not asking? What about the ethical part?

[brianb_cobbres]

I have thought of that many times but didn't ask.

I didn't want to chance any potential problem for the agent. Or, am I being foolish thinking that?

I did think of paying a portion of the agent's MLS fee for ethical purposes but I held off saying anything in case.....well....I don't know what.

Am I foolish for not asking? What about the ethical part?

You can ask but expect most to say no. There are fines and possible license issues if they get caught giving you their info and from what I hear they are watching for multiple users at the same time. So yeah, go ahead and ask.

[Ryan Webber]

I seriously doubt their license would be at stake. First off the state real estate licensing laws have nothing to do with local realtor associations who sponsor the MLS. Now, I'm sure their association would frown on it, but I just couldn't foresee them being fined by the association, either. Realtor associations are very protective of their information, but some kind of cyber patrol would be rather fruitless also. Who's to say that it wasn't the agent's assistant or they left it connected in their office and went home, or maybe they are also using their Treo or blackberry or whatever it is they use.

I think some of these urban legends are manufactured by realtors just so they don't have to give up the goods. The fact is that they are giving you the same information anyway. You are just accessing it yourself.

Either way I would still ask. It is the agent's decision whether to give you their log in or not. I wouldn't offer to pay part of their dues, but I would use them for anything I found that I wanted to make an offer on.

[Debbie]

Now, I feel better to ask the realtor(s).

Thank you Ryan!

[Jim FL]

Debbie,
Here in Florida, as far as I know, you must be an agent, or broker, appraiser, title company, etc, to get mls access.
I do know there are those who are not in these positions who have it, but most times, their access, is from one of the aboves accounts.

The thing is, recently, like over the last year or so, our local MLS added in some security features.
Now, all local members have this key fob thingee (I know, what's a 'key fob'> I did not know either at first).
Anyway, the key fob, is this little plastic thing attached to the key rings, and has an LED on it.
Some form of sattelite, or radio wave sends a new number code to the key fob every 7 seconds.
this number is required to log in, and stay logged into the MLS, along with the agents number, and password.
So, three things are needed, and each agent, or mls accessee, gets one key fob only.
Therefore sharing access is more difficult.

For me, I have about 5 agents/brokers who work with me, so when I need comps, a quick phone call and email to all of them, gets me comps usually within 20 minutes or so in email.
Sometimes, I've been lucky enough to have one of them going on vacation or something, and accidently leave their key fob in my office.....oops, allowing me to accidentally log on to the mls.

I used to have full access with a barrowed ID and password, but, the new system shut that down.


Some states do have limited, or full mls access for non agents/brokers etc, for a fee.
Yours might, take a look online for associate mls access services, they used to sell memberships a few years ago to several mls data bases around the country.

My two cents, keep the change,
Jim FL

[Debbie]

I'll check it out! Thanx Jim!

[SlumLordMike]

The agent I use provides me all of the MLS detail I care to read. Since the properties in question are already on MLS, it goes to reason that the seller is expecting to pay a realtor fee. Even most FSBO's will say something to the tune of "buyers agent welcome". Given that, I haven't ever had the need to have a login. Albeit, 'right now' is a luxury but a well "trained" agent will work hard for you if you are a serious buyer. I've bought several properties over the last 8 years and consider myself a notch or two above a novice. However, it seems like about half the time my agent brings something to my attention that justifies keeping him on staff. In this game, you want all the expertise you can get on your side of the table. :)

[mike_mn]

Excerpt from here.
http://www.northstarmls.com/rules/compguidelines.pdf

Unauthorized Dissemination of System Access Password
There shall be a fine of $1,000 for
unauthorized dissemination of system
access passwords. The fine for the first
violation per year per office will be
reduced to $250.00 if the office
schedules a MLS Rules & Regulations
presentation to be held within 30 days of
Notice of Fine. A second violation by
the same agent will result in a $2,000
fine to the office. Continued repeat
violations by the same agent will result
in a doubling of the last fine amount.
(Revised March 5, 2004.)
.................................................. ..
This is the rule from the RMLS in the twin cities about giving away passwords.

You wont lose your license, but the broker(company) would be pretty ticked off for the fines that you could rack up for them.

I guess it doesnt hurt you to ask though...