# Direct Access to the Realtor MLS Database

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/direct-access-to-the-realtor-mls-database/524228>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [January 9, 2010, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/direct-access-to-the-realtor-mls-database/524228 "2010-01-09T01:30:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Bongmaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Bongmaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bongmaster)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2010, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/direct-access-to-the-realtor-mls-database/524228/1 "2010-01-09T01:30:12Z")

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I’m wondering if it is somehow possible to gain direct access to the realtor’s version of the MLS database. The information available to consumers (ala [realtor.com](http://realtor.com)) is several days if not weeks behind the realtor’s tools and I feel I can do a better job searching available homes myself. Anyone know if this can be done?

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**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2010, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/direct-access-to-the-realtor-mls-database/524228/2 "2010-01-09T05:27:26Z")

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Probably not by Joe or Jane Q. Public. I have access to the BC version for my geographical area, but that’s only because I work for a real estate/property management company, and use it to pull up tax records and such for my job. I do like to browse it for my own enjoyment, however.

I believe on our system, a realtor can give access to his/her clients, if they wish. But generally, and someone will correct me if I’m mistaken, it’s a licenced real estate agent’s tool, not a public tool.

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**Author:** ![Zulema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/db5fbb/32.png) [@Zulema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zulema)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2010, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/direct-access-to-the-realtor-mls-database/524228/3 "2010-01-09T07:09:06Z")

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In my area you can access limited MLS data through a certain website but only one MLS. There is also access to limited data through realty company websites. Try going to a local realty company’s website and see if it has a property search, it probably feeds off the local MLS. (by limited data I mean the same properties but without the private Realtor info)

If you’re seriously looking for a house you might as well look around for an agent you. You’ll need one anyway to look at a listing and the costs are all on the seller’s side. You can still look around by yourself while the agent is looking and a lot of the best properties are as good as gone before they hit the MLS. It doesn’t hurt to have an insider looking for you.