The Logistics of Listing Distribution

Transforming Real Estate Technology

With Stellar MLS, brokers decide if they want to distribute their listings, and brokers also choose which third-party websites may display their listings.

We understand that listings are our customers' most important asset. That is why we not only protect all listings, but we enable our brokers, in partnership with their agents, to send their listings exactly where they want, whether that's to their websites or to third-party portals.


No matter how you want to manage your listings, Stellar MLS is here to help you get the exposure you and your sellers prefer!


Listing Distribution, as the name suggests, is the syndication of listings to consumer search websites (often called portals). At Stellar MLS, this distribution occurs via a data feed from the MLS system that brokers control.

Dispelling Common Myths

Over the years, the notion of distributing listing data has been plagued with misconceptions, misinformation, and myths. We know how important the promotion of listings is for real estate professionals and consumers alike. It's important to us that you know brokers control their listings and where they get distributed to. It's Stellar's job to facilitate the how, not to decide the where.


Let's dispel the common myths surrounding MLS syndication once and for all!

Myth

The MLS chooses where my listings go.

Fact

We believe in empowering our brokers to be in control of their listings! The choice to distribute listings is 100% up to the broker.


Several direct distribution options are included in the Stellar MLS subscription for brokers who want to publish their listings on third-party websites. We also partner with ListHub so brokers can have access to their vast publisher network at no additional cost.

Myth

The MLS makes money by selling my listings to third-party websites.

Fact

Stellar MLS does not sell listings. Brokers own their listings 100% and have control over whether or not the listing data is syndicated to third-party websites.

Myth

IDX and Syndication are the same thing.

Fact

IDX refers to a set of fields in the MLS that are allowed for public display on the Internet. IDX feeds are available to Stellar brokers and authorized agents as part of their MLS membership and participation.



Syndication is a method for brokers to authorize distribution of their listing data to consumer portals hosted by 3rd parties.

Broker Distribution Options

Brokers can manage their distribution options from their Stellar Portal.

Realtor.com | Broker Automatic Opt-In Enabled

Stellar MLS sends data daily and directly to Realtor.com. Also, Realtor.com has developed “distribution partners” with many other websites, such as Move.com, allowing consumers from other websites to automatically link to the Realtor.com search engine.

Apartments.com (includes single-family properties) | Broker Opt-In Required

Not only does Apartments.com reach 20 million Florida renters a year, but all the leads sent from your listings are free and exclusive.

Full Network Access — Once you’ve opted in, your Stellar MLS rental listings will automatically be placed on the Apartments.com network of popular rental websites, including: ForRent.com, ApartmentHomeLIving.com, ApartmentFinder.com, and Spanish-language Apartamentos.com, giving you even more exposure to get your listings noticed and filled quickly!

IMLS®

The International MLS [IMLS]® connects buyers and sellers of Real Estate all over the world. If their association participates with IMLS, brokers can choose to opt-in to this distribution option.

IDX Feeds for Custom Development and Back Office Use (Firm)

Bridge API

Bridge API is a data distribution platform that allows MLSs and other data providers to manage licensing and access using APIs built on modern industry standards and is RESO Data Dictionary compliant. Bridge API is one of Stellar MLS API options for custom data feed solutions.

Please contact our Data Services department by email at datadelivery@stellarmls.com to register or find out more about Bridge API.

Note: Brokers will need to approve licenses for agents.

MLS Grid

MLS Grid is one of our API options for custom development for brokerages with an in-house tech team. MLS Grid allows you to pull data to store on your servers and create a custom website. MLS Grid is RESO Data Dictionary compliant and gives you control over the data to pull and the ability to store it on your servers or make live calls to MLS Grid's API. This option is great if you can create a custom website or work with a vendor who does not already offer an IDX solution. We have a comprehensive broker guide on this tool available here.

Custom Development 

We also have options for custom development for Broker Back Office Data Feeds, Virtual Office Websites, and Product Development. If you are not working with a vendor and working with your own In-House Development team, fill out our online questionnaire here to start the process.  Once received, our Data Delivery team will contact you to discuss the next steps. Complete information on customer development can be found on our Data Delivery page.

To learn more about IDX feeds for custom development, visit our Data Delivery page at the link below.

Learn More

Information for Agents

A Broker's opt-out within their Stellar Portal will always override an opt-in made by the agent or admin at the listing level in Matrix. If your broker has opted into various websites made available through Stellar MLS, you are able to send your listing to those websites within Matrix on a listing-by-listing basis during data input. Located under the Realtor tab in the Listing Distribution section, the listing agent or admin can also opt an individual listing out of specific sites at the seller's request by unchecking the boxes.

Internet Yes/No Field

This field allows the listing agent and seller to completely opt-out a listing from Internet distribution. Using this option is the only way to opt-out of an Internet Data Exchange (IDX feed). If “no” is selected here, the listing will not display on any IDX feeds or consumer portals.

IDX/VOW Field

There are options to opt-out of IDX feeds, and Virtual Office Web Sites, as well as Comment feeds and Automated Valuation Models.

Distribute To Field

This field gives the listing agent and seller options on where the listing is displayed on third-party consumer sites. However, the brokers' opt-out always trumps the agents' opt-in. If a broker chooses not to send listings to a consumer portal, no listings from that office will go to that site, even if the agent has the box checked here.

Conversely, if a broker opts into a site, the agent can opt-out of that site for this specific listing by unchecking the appropriate boxes.

A Closer Look at Rental Distribution Options

Distribution via Matrix

Suppose your Broker has opted in to distribute your listings to the websites listed below. In that case, you still can opt a listing out by unchecking the checkmark in the listing distribution section upon input.

ListHub (Requires broker approval)

Brokers may send their listings to the ListHub publisher network at no additional cost through their Stellar MLS subscription, including rental websites. Brokers can visit ListHub.com to learn more and set up an account. If you're an agent, discuss your rental distribution options through ListHub with your broker.

Reports from ListHub are a premium feature and cost extra.

Listing Distribution/Syndication and IDX Feeds Are Not the Same

Internet Data Exchange (IDX)

  • Internet Data Exchange (IDX) gives brokers and agents the ability to display listings on their real estate websites.
  • IDX refers to a set of fields in the MLS that are allowed for public display on the Internet.
  • IDX feeds follow comprehensive rules and display guidelines.
  • While a brokerage can opt out of IDX, opting out of sharing listings with individual sites powered by IDX is not allowed.

Syndication

  • Syndication is a method for brokers to authorize distribution of their listing data to consumer portals hosted by 3rd parties.​
  • Syndication allows a broker’s listings to appear on national portals such as Realtor.com, Homesnap, Homes.com, and Apartments.com.
  • Brokers control which third party portals receive listings from their office.
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