MLS/Texas Realtor

November 2000

Internet data display policy is next step in evolution of MLS

In May, the NAR board of directors approved a statement of multiple listing policy that addresses several aspects of MLS participants posting MLS listing information on their Web sites. The policy statement says that associations of REALTORS® and their multiple listing services are encouraged to immediately, and must by Jan. 1, 2002, enable MLS participants to display on participants’ public Web sites aggregated MLS active listing information. Participants can do this either by downloading the data and placing it on their public-access Web sites or by framing the information on the MLS or association public-access Web sites.

Listing brokers’ consent for displaying their MLS listings is presumed unless a listing broker notifies the MLS with a refusal to permit display. This refusal can be on a blanket or listing-by-listing basis. If the refusal is made on a blanket basis, then the participant may not display listings of other participants.

MLSs can prohibit display of information intended exclusively for other real estate professionals and not for consumers.

Participants cannot be required to consent to display of their listings on other participants’ Web sites as a condition of participation in the MLS.

Several matters concerning the policy are left to the local MLS’s discretion. Check your local MLS rules for specific requirements. Most MLSs in Texas have already adopted rules related to the MLS aggregate data on participants’ Web sites.

More information about NAR’s policy is available at www.onerealtorplace.com by searching on the words Internet Data Display. Look under the Announcements heading for the bullet with the heading Virtual Kit–Internet Data Display.

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Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.tar.org.