Ask HN: How do I get my hands on MLS (real estate listings) data?

Re:Ask HN: How do I get my hands on MLS (real estate listing... by ewokhead on Tuesday December 04, 2012 @02:54PM (#4872920)

I have been working on this for two years. It is very difficult but the key is getting access to sellers before they talk to a realtor. That is how I did it. If you get the information before a realtor does you can avoid issues of conflicting interest, data rights etc. The MLS data is covered by license agreements as you would expect so you need to get to sellers before realtors do. That is my experience at least. Getting to sellers first is not that hard if you have a good mailing list that buyers and investors are interested in. Building a good mailing list is damn hard though.

Where are you located? I am looking for help on the programming side (I am a programmer as well). I would love to crush MLS and make it irrelevant. I hate it and everything it is.

Also, MLS data has yearly costs. I did not want to pay so I get access to the sellers first. Get them to sign some contracts saying I have exclusive rights to the data forever but I do not bar them from going to a realtor in the contract.

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Re:Ask HN: How do I get my hands on MLS (real estate listing... by saltzman on Wednesday December 05, 2012 @08:22PM (#4879709)

I second that. I'm working on developing a managerial tool for Real Estate agents and want to work around MLS' bullshit. Let's get in touch.

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Re:Ask HN: How do I get my hands on MLS (real estate listing... by readme on Tuesday December 04, 2012 @03:43PM (#4873152)

Hey I'm in the greater Boston area, but contemplating a move very soon. My email is in my profile if you'd like to talk some time. I'm working on a project now (I do consulting) but at the end of the month I'll be looking for more work. Also open to side projects and joint ventures if there is a good fit.

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Re:Ask HN: How do I get my hands on MLS (real estate listing... by c4n4rd on Tuesday December 04, 2012 @04:47PM (#4873447)

I am in the same position as you are. Trying to get my hands on new, fresh data. Let me know if you want to team up.

Thanks,

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Re:Ask HN: How do I get my hands on MLS (real estate listing... by padseeker on Tuesday December 04, 2012 @05:32PM (#4873686)

what are you working on? I'm working on something related to the real estate field. I would love to see an alternate version of MLS that is not controlled by the Nation Association of Realtors. It functions a bit like a cartel.

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