How to Get MLS Access Without a License
By | Category: Featured, Real Estate Investing Tips
So here’s one undeniable fact for anyone in the real estate biz: Access to the Realtor’s MLS = Power.
MLS of course stands for “Multiple Listing Service”, as in the big, honkin’ database of real estate information Realtors have access to.
And in case you’re wondering, no, I’m not talking about the real estate listings anyone can view at Realtor.com or through the “MLS Search” on most Real Estate Companies’ websites. Sure, those search portals have the MLS as their source of data – but it’s not THE MLS — the data isn’t nearly as robust or in-depth.
The fact of the matter is, when it comes to doing top-shelf market and/or property research – whether you’re analyzing values, looking for “bleeding edge” listings, reviewing “sold comps” in detail, looking up pendings, etc. etc… nothing beats the Realtor’s MLS. The level of real estate data that can be searched, filtered and manipulated is simply unparalleled…
…Which is exactly why access to it is such a sought after thing. Savvy investors understand this, and it’s a big reason why so many investors get licensed and join the local Realtor Board themselves. Because…
You Can’t Get MLS Access Without Being a Realtor…Right????
Hmmmmm…let’s think on this one for a moment. Well that’s the word on the street, isn’t it? That only Realtors – that is, licensed real estate agents who are also active, dues paying members of the local Board of Realtors – can get access.
But would it surprise you to know that it’s actually fairly common for non-licensed investors to find ways to gain direct access to the MLS? Sure, it can take a little creativity and some gumption, but we have our ways.
To this point, here’s an article by fellow blogger and KISS Flipper Kelly, originally published on her blog Kelly Flippin Cali. I thought it was so good, I asked her if I could reprint it here for you guys. Enjoy…
“How to Get MLS Access Without a License”
So, excuse the non-perfect punctuation. Sometimes I just get typing and forget things like punctuation and capitalization. Just don’t red pen me. I am not like JP, I don’t write perfect copy. 
I think first off, you have to have confidence, assertiveness and sincerity at the same time because confidence and assertiveness can sometimes look a lot like arrogance. Without the confidence you look wishy washy and needy. You have to know up front what you are offering the Agent in return for this precious MLS access. I like having my own unlimited access and paying for it, than using someone else’s with limited access.
It is so simple! I had 2 different approaches. It takes some work, but you can do it! If I can do it, you can do it!
The Craigslist Approach:
The Craigslist ad was really Craig Fuhr’s idea that I gleaned off of the last call with JP from REItips.com. He was targeting Indiana fresh.
My ads, 2 of them, placed in Real Estate and Real Estate Services…
$1 RE Agent Wanted
California Cash investor working in ‘insert city here’ with single family homes seeks investor friendly agent to work with. Please call me now.
Call XXX XXX XXXX
My Other Approach:
First, you call Realtors from Keller Williams (because they are the most investor friendly.) Explain your strategy and tell them you value their time and would like to do your own homework upfront which takes about 40 to 80 hours. (The majority of my responses were something like, “I don’t have a problem doing the homework and sending it to you.”)
So then ask them for a list of all of the ‘solds’ in the last 60 days for the county, or the biggest area of the town or city of research. From there identify the hotbeds or areas of the most activity.
Meanwhile, on your own, without telling the Agent, contact the Association of Realtors or whoever controls the MLS…
- Ask to speak to the commercial department or the administrator for the MLS. Tell them that you have been working with (insert agent’s name here) and you both talked about obtaining MLS access as an unlicensed assistant.
- Ask for an email of the form for him to sign to begin or if it is located online.
- Ask what the log-on requirements are. Is it just username and password or little key fob deal that changes numbers every 60 seconds like California?
- Ask what the fees are and how they are billed, i.e., quarterly, yearly, through the broker or can they be made online through the MLS website via your credit card.
- Ask them to email you the rules as well.
- If you have the keyfob thing, you need to go into the MLS office and show your ID and they hand you and only you the keyfob.
- Ask who to contact when returning the information, if it is email then ask them to include phone and fax. Now you have the MLS contact person information.
After you do your homework using the list of solds, speak to the agent about your findings. (I have identified _____ zipcode as an area I would like to pursue, about what price are your clean REOs in that area?) Then state that there is another at least 60 hours of similar research but you need to use the map function and other things that would just kill trees if they printed it out for you and YOU would rather spend the time on the research and have them spend the time on submitting offers and listing your properties.
Then explain that you have spoken to “insert MLS administrator here” and you have the form for your own unlicensed assistant access and it would save you both so much time once you get that started.
BE ASSERTIVE. Don’t say, “if I had my own access” say, “once I get this access.”. Tell them, “I need your signature and I am good to go. It can be revoked at any time, so if for any reason you are not comfortable with this in the future, you can cancel it.” There will be no charge to the Agent or Broker. The Broker might have to sign on the form also.
Once you have your access, go buy either a $20.00 Jamba Juice gift card or a Starbucks gift card and a Silver sharpie pen. Write on the gift card with the silver sharpie pen, Thanks SO much ‘agent’s name’ !! then your name, so the 3 or 4 times they use it, they see your name and smile. Go to their office and have receptionist place in their in box or mail it to the agent.
I think for me, before I had a solid strategy, it was very difficult to build rapport. Now after KISS Flipping and speaking with Bob Norton face to face, I totally know my strategies inside and out and have total confidence!! Without a doubt!! In the course are the steps to take to find private money AND instantly find buyers. I’m not an affiliate, I should be, but if you could swing it, you should, it’s the best money I have ever spent!
GO GET ‘EM!! Let me know how it turns out!
I’m on my way to get an alignment before my trip next week and to sling mud on 4 more old listings.
Chyzle! (translation= see ya)
Kelly
Thanks to Kelly for spelling it all out so well! And of course I welcome anyone else’s thoughts as well…please comment below!
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62 Comment(s)
By Linda (2 comments) | Reply
Yesterday, a homeowner returned home to find a “wigged out” man in his house(for sale),in his (the owner’s) new boxer shorts.The stranger was washing his clothes in the laundry, and refused to leave when the owner commaned him to do so. The stranger’s car was in the garage. It ended with the owner firing a shot from his gun, and the policeman picking up the man.They think the man got access to the property through the MLS.Colorado listing agreements are specific about how the property and the details of the transaction will be disclosed to the public. Membership in mls precludes what Kelly suggest, the broker could lose his privileges by doing so. Subverting laws and rules give honest investors a “bad name” and is why today the FBI is looking into ways to kill flipping houses all together. According to the National Mortgage News today, the FBI has determined that flipping is mortgage fraud, indictments to come. Not all deals are fraudulent, but the attitude to subvert written rules is the same attitude that leads to fraud. 80 hours times $8 per hour is $640, this investor should have paid instead of a gift card. MLS charges on an hourly basis plus the monthly access fee.
By Bmum (1 comments) | Reply
Nice! I have a realtor that was a friend until I asked him for MLS access. I’ll give this a try with a perfect stranger and probably get better results. So much for friends.
By Scott Costello (3 comments) | Reply
“According to the National Mortgage News today, the FBI has determined that flipping is mortgage fraud,”
How exactly is flipping in any way related to mortgage fraud? What if there are no mortgages on the property? Makes no sense at all. If we can’t flip houses then all wholesale food stores should be closed down as well.
This is just a case of Realtor Commission wanting a complete monopoly on selling of houses.
Scott Costello´s last blog ..4 Important keys to a Probate Letter
By Tom Brown (4 comments) | Reply
Realtors are scared to death of allowing anyone access to the MLS for one reason. It is the only thing that they bring to the table that has any value. Once they lose control of that, they are done. And, depending on where you live, most of the MLS info can be found quickly from other sources.
All the other duties that they do can easily be outsourced for less money.
Of course this has been their fear for years, that they will lose control and become irrelevant.
By leslie (7 comments) | Reply
Any good realtor will not give out their numbers for anyone to access the MLS! you’re idea that someone should coerce a realtor into giving out their MLS code is ridiculous! you are obviously not a realtor nor will you ever be. Syop with these absurd posts please, your an idiot really.
By leslie (7 comments) | Reply
As a licensed agent how can you want to help or assist anyone to get realtors MLS codes for their use without you? Im not getting that and its illegality is enormous. I have a tremendous amount of class, FYI and I take my profession quite seriously, I am a Broker as well and manage an office for a national real estate company and I belong to 5 MLS systems in order to do my job. No ONE gets my MLS codes and you “teaching” people or buyers how to coerce agents to give it out is wild! WOW! exactly. I have a great FREE website I give out to my lucky buyers that enables them to access MLS info which is legally downloaded to them daily along with mapping, neighborhood info, area pricing so on and so on. No one needs MY MLS codes to get up to date real info on the marketplace. Guess you dont have what I have… too bad, good luck with your scamming the MLS and enabling people who should not have access to have access.. great! good work!
By Bobby (7 comments) | Reply
I’m no great defender of real estate agents overall, but this feels unethical. Why not just get your own license?
Bobby´s last blog ..About Us
By Dan (3 comments) | Reply
Wow! That got some strong reactions, didn’t it?! The comments just reinforced to me how valuable MLS access is, and the value of Kelly’s strategy. I view gaining access to the MLS, not as a way to cut out agents, but as a way to perform my own research, avoiding an unwieldy situation. This doesn’t preclude using an agent once the decisions of what to buy and sell have been made. Thanks Kelly and JP
By Ryan Thompson (5 comments) | Reply
haha.. It’s illegal for an agent to give out their MLS access? Where in the law does it say this in your jurisdiction? It could be a breach of contract between the MLS provider and the broker relationship, but I doubt there’s a statute that specifically prohibits it.
Leslie: You do realize that other people use the MLS for other reasons than to just buy and sell real estate, right?
By Joseph (2 comments) | Reply
Well what can I this Leslie chick really got her Lucky Charms pi…. on huh… But remember it’s not personal its just business!!! We are all after our dreams and if I happen to make some Realtor upset on the way, well that is just a sacrifice I am gonna have to make. No offense!
By Bradley (9 comments) | Reply
Hey …jp.
Are you an idiot? You didn’t answer that question. LOL!
Now leslie has obviously shown her hand. We have worked with a realtor we trust with access and it was quite a pain. Too many problems to keep them out of trouble so we quit. Wasn’t worth getting them into trouble.
Also, we didn’t ask them to provide access, they offered when we asked the question, “Can we get access to MLS when we are not an agent?” This was truly just asked out of ignorance with no motive behind it. We have since moved on and and yes this is a grey area.
Bet leslie uses the grey areas when she does her taxes! Nothng is really black and white in this world and as long as the realtor is comfortable and you are only using it for your own purposes, i.e. not selling or providing the info to others, what harm is it. They may not like it but it’s not against the law!
leslie must also not be a good realtor since she is spreading false information about flipping. Any good realtor would know the difference in flipping and fraud. Bet leslie doesn’t? When we first started out we tried to avoid the word flip becuase of the negative conotations. Now we specifically use the word to test the kind of reactions we get. This says a lot about the knowldge of the people w are talking to. If they say you need to be careful, then we want to work with them. If they say that is fraud or illegal, we gently educate them and move on to the next. If they say nothing we probe more to see if they have any clue about what they are doing.
Brad
By Bob H (4 comments) | Reply
I don’t think Linda and Leslie understand that Investor’s want to do their own research and due diligence. Does a Real Estate Broker/Agent really want to do hours of research each and everyday for the Investor? When we find a deal that meets our criteria we’ll bring it to you to make offer. You make the commission. Sounds like an even trade to me.
By Phillip (1 comments) | Reply
Leslie and Linda, don’t hate the players hate the game. This is still a free country and you have a choice not to play.
By leslie (7 comments) | Reply
It is a grey area and do not insinuate how I handle my taxes, smart man! There is Realtor to Reator only information regarding showing instructions etc or combo codes on MLS listing sheets that Real;tors access when they belong to the MLS and that is priviledged information for those with licenses. If a realtor gives out their code and something happens to a home due to that well, sounds to me that its not the best idea, you think? I am a “good” realtor mr. knows so much and do not insinuate again that I am not! This is an ethical issue perhaps not legal… it is wrong, thank you and have a nice day! glad to know there are such smart people out there who know it all!
By Martin (2 comments) | Reply
MLS access for just anyone is hazardous to the seller. Many MLS’s allow access codes, in the non public remarks section of the listing. What kind of agent would give full access to mls to just anyone? As one agent above noted, she can give access to her clients–that access allows a client to get all the information they need without the non public information. In other words much more than you can get with Realtor.com but not personal or non public information about the seller. I certainly would turn in anyone giving “assistant” access to mls to a caller just seeking access to “save the agent time”.
Anyone granting that type of access should be avoided by any buyer “experienced” or not. They will be hazardous to your wealth.
Even with my licenses when I purchase out of area I use the services of an good agent from the area I am purchasing property. Do I have to? NO. But what I don’t know even after doing due diligence could bit me later. It’s better to have avoided a nightmare property than to have gotten a “good???” price on a disaster wishing I had kept my money in my wallet. First question I ask an agent. Do you own rental property? If the answer is “no” then I keep looking.
By Jay (4 comments) | Reply
This angers me to no end as a real estate agent. Encouraging people to lie to get MLS access. That’s real professional of you people. I’m forwarding your article to as many agents as I can.
By Nancy (1 comments) | Reply
I am a Realtor/Broker (and RE investor) in Charlotte, NC, and our MLS has a service called “Client Gateway” that provides a goldmine of information to my investor clients without my having to disclose my MLS code. I can pinpoint their preferred area(s), price preferences, agent remarks like “REO” and “Short Sale” and so on. The MLS wizard sends them every listing that meets their requirements, updated daily, on their own private web page. The investor might get 10 to 100 listings; they tell me which 5 to 10 they really like, and then I crunch the numbers on those 5-10. I give them an Excel sheet with asking price, tax value, comps and the last “arms length” price the house sold for. They choose 2 or 3 to look at, and we (I) write up a contract. Greatly reduces my work, but gives the investor some of the “sifting” capability of MLS access.
Nancy
By Tom Brown (4 comments) | Reply
JP,
The problem is that there are few, if any good agents anymore.
And all of the duties that you mentioned do not require a license to perform. Again you can train someone to do the same thing for less money.
The MLS is the agent’s trump card. And MLS quality varies WIDELY from region to region.
I have been licensed in the past and that is my perspective,
By Heather Fitch (1 comments) | Reply
Real Estate Investors that I’ve known are interested in access to the MLS for 1 reason and only 1 reason. Your assumptions and accusations are unfounded. Produce some documentation before you lash out against others in such a harsh manner. I know some Good Investors doing a lot of Good for homeowners right now. Such negative language, tone, is unfounded. You are a discredit to your profession.
By Tom Brown (4 comments) | Reply
In some areas, you can join the MLS as an associate member and have access to all the info except things like lockbox codes.
Appraisers and banks do it all the time.
By leslie (7 comments) | Reply
Okay, its wrong period. I have as I mentioned a FREE website I can give to anyone, investor or otherwise to see all pertinent MLS info, so no need for agents MLS codes and access. I am a Realtor with NAR, I am a Broker as well. No chip here, just dont like when people decide to give out “how to” info on a practice that is not ethical or safe.
By leslie (7 comments) | Reply
Hey, Joseph…. no offense to realtors?, I take offense personally to the “Leslie chick” connotation. Watch how you refer to people. When someone wants to buy or sell with an ethical, professional, seasoned Broker-Realtor, email me Id be glad to hand you all the info you want in the right manner without putting my hard earned license on the line. Thanks!
By Tom Brown (4 comments) | Reply
You do know why they call them Brokers, don’t you?
Because they are always broke. (old joke)
By Bradley (9 comments) | Reply
Hey …jp
Thanks for the support but I thinketh that leslie has a beef with me with her comments. Your comments are right on point, however.
Ethical, moral: what are these today? What are the definitions that we use TODAY. These also vary between people so what is immoral/unethical to one may not be to others. This is generally the problem with the MLS acces. Priviledged communication is just another form or realtor control. It all has to be disclosed if it is pertinent to the deal otherwise that would be against the code of ethics and fraud.
Illegal is a definite defined area of law. Lets call a spade a spade and not throw around words because they sound good or evoke an emotional response, such as fear or intimidation, to make a point. It hurts credibility. When you do you invite people to challenge you and question if your are a good agent. Obvious misinformation by a professional leads people to the conclusion that you must not be a professioal, or good agent.
The simple fact if the matter is we all make choices everyday and to some degree we all act unethically or imorally to some and to some it is not. Do you cheat a little on the speed limit? What about that yellow light? These are the choices we all make. To what degree is it OK is the question? Is it OK until you get caught?
While I would not give out my MLS info I wouldn’t hesitate to ask others to give it to me. I make the distinction that this is ethical for me but wouldn’t do it for liability purposes. If others are OK with it then so be it.
One last question. Why do the realtors think they have to be so secretive with their data and knowledge? When you discover the answer to that question all other issues will be put into the light and revealed.
Brad
By Bradley (9 comments) | Reply
leslie,
There you go. YOU take offense. You have no idea if offense was intended.
Need to be a little less thin skinned and maybe a little less sensitive and less emotional in the responses that you are displaying.
Are you being picked on? Yes you are but you invited it with your begining. Reasoned and rational arguments as to WHY it is wrong will get you a lot further and win more arguments than spitting back and letting others goad you on.
You have valid points but they are not being well recieved because of your METHOD of delivery.
Brad
By Angel (2 comments) | Reply
Hi Nancy, I would like to know where I could go to get more information about your client gateway service you offer.
By Lisa (4 comments) | Reply
Wow JP!!! I love your REITips BUT I actually asked for and got a refund from you on Bob Norton’s course because I was NOT at all comfortable with this approach. I am not a Realtor but the feedback I got from Realtors was SO negative that I decided this wasn’t a grey area – it was not something I felt I could do and sleep at night.
By Tim Cronin (4 comments) | Reply
This is great info, and btw, I’d be happy to assist any legit investor on LI, or anyone I can otherwise assist. LI is a different animal, and even our office managers know it. If I could do my part to help make LI a little more investor-friendly, I would.
By leslie (7 comments) | Reply
Ok, Once again, no one is bugging me at all, trust me on that, I have said quite clearly and simply, that JP’s original blog regarding handing out MLS access is risky business… END OF STORY! be done and don’t do it.
By Bradley (9 comments) | Reply
Tim,
What is LI?
Am I just being idiot? Thanks …jp, if thats true it puts me in very good company.
Brad
By Kelly Miller (2 comments) | Reply
Leslie,
) Perhaps you could read over the post to clarify your comprehension of the steps I have taken and rules I have followed. No Gray, Black and White.
Thank you for your thought provoking comments and your desire for ethical behavior. I am not receiving ANYTHING for free. I have signed contracts with BOTH MLS systems that I SUBSCRIBE to ETHICALLY in accordance with the rules of each MLS. I have relationships with my agents and submit offers THROUGH them. They are aware of every move I make. I am an unlicensed assistant as allowed by each MLS. I have my own log in and my own fees. (my own costco card
By Maria (12 comments) | Reply
Hello Everyone-
I just had to add my 2 cents to this thread after reading most of the posts.
I just want to say that with almost everything, there is black and white, right and wrong, ethical and unethical, moral and immoral. Sometimes there’s a very fine line. It is not something we decide ourselves and the majority of Americans realized that many years ago. Just because we’ve been told for several decades that we can decide for ourselves if something is right for us or not doesn’t make it true.
The other thing I thought of while reading through this thread is that many years ago, life was so simple. The laws that govern every little aspect of our lives and businesses are what has mad it complicated – we need to keep that in mind and maybe we won’t get so upset when someone “breaks a rule”. I’m not saying rules or laws are made to be broken, just that there are way too many rules and laws about EVERYTHING! And, I’m tired of it.
I am not taking sides on this discussion because I don’t have enough information about this subject. However, I know several investors whose agents gave them their own access to the MLS because it took too much time for them to do the research for properties. The investors weren’t sneaky or underhanded about it, the realtors just got tired of doing all the work for them.
I just think people should chill. Some on here obviously feel very threatened, and I feel bad for them. If they are confident in what they are doing in their job, and they choose not to share their access code – fine, they don’t have to. And as others have said, if they want to do hours of research for an investor, not knowing if the deal will come through, well, that’s up to them.
And name calling? How old are we? Will everyone just please calm down or don’t read these threads – it’s not worth the stress!
Like I said, just my .02¢
By Lear (4 comments) | Reply
Hi Jp,
I was reading the above comments and noticed one person got a refund from their kiss flipping account.
I would love if I could fill their spot! I have been wanting to get into kiss flipping for some time now but it has been closed. Now their is a spot open, can I please be let in?…I promise I won’t cancel on you.
I’d rather spend my time making 25k to 50k every month ethically and morally then argue and complain like silly people are doing above! Thank you! Talk to you soon!
By Lear (4 comments) | Reply
Please…!!!
By Craig (4 comments) | Reply
I have MLS access through my wife’s aunt, who is a broker and we’ve never had any problems. I usually use it after hours though, because we use the same password.
She knows that when I do a deal she is compensated for it.
By Freddie (13 comments) | Reply
I don’t know what the heck this people were reading, because nothing in that article jeopardize the realtor. If the MLS office provides the code in order for the investor to expedite his homework, the in earth is the illegality. Because I read the article twice and nothing in the article suggest the investor persuade the realtor for its code, stole the code or got access to the MLS illegally. Then you have another already mentioning the FBI TODAY. PLEASEEEEE!!! Spare me the b.s. I can tell who’s are the one making all this crazy comments. I found the article to provide a ‘strategy’ of other way of going about accessing the MLS without having to either be asking the realtor every time I need to access this particular. Again, I stand by the part that suggest you go to the MLS office in order to get the code. GOOD TIP! As for the FBI, I can show you in black and white Flipping in itself is not illegal. Now, if during the process you twick the process in a way the particular ACT is illegal, then that particular ACT in itself is illegal but no flipping a property that’s being flipped at or below the market value. AMEN!!!
By Freddie (13 comments) | Reply
First of all, Leslie do you mind quoting where in the article does it state the person is ‘coercing’ the agent? Second, for someone as professional as you claim to be (which I very much doubt) you sure having a hard time comprehending what you read. On top of that you someone ‘idiot’. That alone shows who you really are, for someone who claims being an MLS hancho, a broker, a five star General in the Real Estate Association, on-on-on-on. What else you be putting on your sorry resume? You wish you held those position. Read the article and leave out the part you not making it in this market.
By Bernie (1 comments) | Reply
Nancy:
I would like to know more about the “Gateway” you provide to your clients without having to give out codes, etc.
I wonder if such a service is available in Florida, specifically in Hillsborough County?
Also, I assume you are an investor friendly realtor?
Trying to partner with an agent who will assist me with locating listed homes in foreclosure or going through a short sale process. The agent I partner with would being doing most of the leg work. Please respond to me via my email (jyoung246@tampabay.rr.com) and I will forward you all the details. Location doesn’t matter and it can lead to big commissions for an agent who isn’t afraid of some hard work. Not real hard, just a little hard
By Don Corson (2 comments) | Reply
Interesting comments–I think Maria stands as the voice of reason so far. Here in Central Ohio, unlicensed assistants cannot have their own access to our MLS system. One must be licensed and have their own login. Any violation is a fineable offense (and there are SO many!).
Looking at this question from a wider perspective, many professions have proprietary database systems and information, for which one must pay to access, be a “member”, or both — not a big deal, in my book.
My advice would be to those who cannot have “unlicensed assistant” access to their local MLS is to find a trusted Realtor or 2 to work with, get the data that you need to start doing the deals you want to do, then take a couple of weeks (or less in some states) to take the classes, and get licensed. (The Polar white teeth, leased Lexus, and the sharp business card with the side-view photo of you in your black pantsuit with arms folded confidently are TOTALLY OPTIONAL!!)
By Bob H (4 comments) | Reply
Exactly…the point I was trying to make.
By Doug (5 comments) | Reply
I hope this discussion keeps going. I thought Kelly’s approach was brilliant, but I also understand the reserve of an licensed agent (trusted for their licensing) giving out their MLS access to someone who won’t be held to the same standards that a “Realtor” will be held to. I’m not a Realtor. I also want access to the MLS to make transaction happen that will be mutually beneficial to me and (often) the Realtor.
By Cecil S (1 comments) | Reply
JP,
For the record, the only connection (as I found it) to flipping and mortgage fraud on the FBI site involved the phrase “GROSS MISREPRESENTATION.” Also known to people outside of the FBI as “LYING.” There you have it in black and white. If you lie about or hide any facts while buying or selling property with a loan, you could be doing something illegal. If you are offering the truth during your full disclosure then flip to your heart’s content.
About the MLS access, each MLS has their own unique set of rules. What works in Kelly’s scenario most likely will not work everywhere. Best to find a broker/agent you like and ask about the best way to save time researching investment properties. If the broker suggests the MLS then you just got the green light. The only problem I had with Kelly’s post is to not tell the broker anything before talking to the MLS supervisor. Your next conversation with the broker could be quite uncomfortable if the supervisor talks to the broker first.
To everyone else, grow up and use spell checker.
My $.02.
By bozoman (1 comments) | Reply
One of the things being insinuated here is only licensed agents are honest enough to be trusted with MLS access. Just as with the general public, not everyone is honest and many times the “licensed agents” have used the information in MLS for less than (legal, moral, ethical, choose your word here….) purposes. I have access to MLS because my agent knows I would not do anything illegal or dishonest with the information and I would never do anything to jeopardize his agent status. You are either honest or not and whether you are a licensed agent has nothing to do with anything, including MLS access. Get off your high horse…..
By Adam (3 comments) | Reply
I’m going to copy and paste this so Idiots can re-read:
“Then explain that you have spoken to “insert MLS administrator here” and you have the form for your own unlicensed assistant access”
Your asking for your OWN access not their pin/log-in number!!!!!!!!!!
And a slight modify, will keep it ethical: If you use one broker often, tell them up front before you go and get the form. Explian the pro’s and con’s to the broker first. All to often PROFESIONAL R.E. INVESTORS are educating brokers/agents of how to do stuff anyways, It never hurt anyone to ask first….try fail and Ajust,try again!!
By Freddie (13 comments) | Reply
How can you take ‘offense personally’ when you calling other idiot?
By Freddie (13 comments) | Reply
Tim & JP,
LI stands for Long Island, New York. Now you don’t have to feel or think you idiots. LOL
By Steph (6 comments) | Reply
I heard there was a special place reserved in Hell for agents who give out their MLS passwords.
SHAMEFUL!!!!
P.S.
Sarcasm alert.
Steph´s last blog ..Where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to
By Bradley (9 comments) | Reply
Freddie Thanks!
I originally thought it was another source of MLS type information.
I definitely do not need help with LI since I am far far away in a galaxy thta is not close to that anilmal!
Thanks to all. Yippee!
Brad
By Bradley (9 comments) | Reply
Steph,
Does that mean that all the agents who DON’T give out theire MLS passwords just go to regular hell?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Brad
By Steph (6 comments) | Reply
I think so.
Hehehehehehehe!!!
Steph´s last blog ..Where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to
By Steve (15 comments) | Reply
LOL OMG!
This has got to be your most controversial post ever JP… And the most sadest…
I love ya man, but this should give you an example of the ego’s influence in most realtors pursona…
I don’t even want to work with them, which is why I’m getting my licence… lol
By Hilda (1 comments) | Reply
Thanks JP I found it very usefull. As investors we need to build good teams and resources so that we can make good buying decisions. or else we are going to be stuck with bad properties and negative cash flow. Realtors and Investors can work together if realtors understood the investing end of the business. there are plenty of homeowners and banks that need our help…we should put our energies there instead.
By Shawn (3 comments) | Reply
Great comments on this article – I am a newbie to the REI tips site and real estate investing. I really like what I have seen so far on this site.
I have been able to develop a really good relationship with the realtor that helped me sell my personal residence and then buy a new house a few years ago. She has a system similar to what Nancy mentioned above, where I have a personalized website that I can set parameters for investment properties (price range, location, etc.) Whenever a new property comes on the MLS that fits my parameters I receive an email. The site also shows if listings are contingent or pending.
My realtor also has sent me a detailed comp report that I use to track closed properties in my area. I can refer back to the report whenever I want and it updates new closed properties so I am not always bugging her for a new list.
So I basically have all the info I need for free and have developed a really good relationship with my realtor. Just something to keep in mind for those trying to get MLS access.
Shawn
By Tom Tarrant (2 comments) | Reply
Any serious investor must have MLS. Second hand info through commission based Realtors wont due when your money is on the line. This is an absolute. Great tips here.
By Craig the Realtor (1 comments) | Reply
Give clients, or investors a ListingBook account instead. All legal and no issues to worry about, but always get a Buyers Agency Agreement before providing access!!!!!!!! This way they can’t abuse you by searching for property and negotiating with the listing agent.
Protect yourself! ALWAYS ask for an Buyers Agent agreement. Sellers sign listing agreements, why don’t buyers sign agency agreements.
Makes total sense!
By Justin (2 comments) | Reply
Ethics and security aside, MLS members pay quite a bit of money for this info. My MLS fees are almost $500 per year plus another 135 per year to lease a Supra Key. I don’t know the admin costs to the MLS, but collecting and maintaining the data isn’t free. If I have to pay for it why should I give it away to anyone? Besides there is very little data on the MLS that’s not available in public records or on some other website
By bill (8 comments) | Reply
Hey Leslie, ive read your replies, but can’t locate where you left your MLS password. Please repost again! Thanks again and free coffee is on the way my friend.
By Leslie (7 comments) | Reply
Ill watch out for my coffee.. thanks, dont remember giving out MY mLS password letely, sorry!!!
By Stevie Ray (1 comments) | Reply
I can see why you might think what you posted, but I can think of a number of reasons I wouldn't give it out. One is liability to sellers. I have no control over what other agents post in MLS. Some post access codes, combinations, etc. If I give my info out to someone who is not a member, not only have I violated the terms of the contract I voluntarily agreed to, but I may have put a seller at risk. This may come as a shock to some of you, but the percentage of buyers in the marketplace with no integrity is roughly the same as the number of Realtors in the marketplace with no integrity. Just saying…..
By Seth (1 comments) | Reply
I am so sick of your realtors complaining about how this is dishonest!
You are the most dishonest breed of people!
I willl generalize because I have worked with way too many of you to know that all you care about is money, not your client, not providing a service, but to make sure things go fast and your get paid.
The article gives us, investoers and regular home buyers, with advice on how to access a stupid list that has been monopolized by the Realtor industry!!
I guess you are all afraid that if that wasn't the case, that if everyone had access to it, then you'd be without a job.
By Mike (5 comments) | Reply
Seth, You are so right.
I been workign as an investor for approx 11 years, before that i worked selling software to car dealers.
Use car salesman have the reputation of been the worst people on the retail business, Till you get to deal with realtors..
Unscrupulous, Liars, cheats, scumbags.
They will cheat the seller ,they will cheat the buyers, they will cheat other fellow realtors…
God Bless America.
Mike
By jp moses (111 comments) | Reply
Guys, I just have to chime in and say…as someone who's walked BOTH sides of this…
There are scumbags and there are honest folks on both sides.
We all have our prejudices based on where we're coming from…but I'm gonna tell you right now, you can't pain all Realtors with one brush just like we tell them not to paint all investors with one brush. Realtors like to think of all investors as selfish, greedy, do-anything-to-make-your-deal-work type of folks…and we know those of us like that are in the vast minority…they just happen to get a lot of press and make the rest of us look bad a lot of the time. Same goes for Realtors.
Thanks for commenting…
…jp