MLS access, scheduling and visiting homes without an agent license

Austin, Texas
Real Estate Agent
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MLS access, scheduling and visiting homes without an agent license

Prasanna K.
Rental Property Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2017 · 17 posts · 2 votes

I am a SFH rental investor. I have a wonderful agent I have been working with in Austin. However in interest of using both of our times wisely, I prefer to due some due-diligent upfront by myself. I am specifically looking for a way for me to do 2 things by myself

1. Access all details of listings in MLS, specifically disclosures (MLS access)

2. Schedule and visit homes (lockbox access)

Once I have narrowed down the home, from writing offer onwards would like to engage my agent.  Is what i am asking even possible without getting a license myself? 

I understand the above services are not free and so willing to pay for it and also open to be fingerprinted.

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Trevor Richardson
Real Estate Broker · Reno, NV · Member since 2023 · 267 posts · 297 votes
2y

You need a license, it’s pretty simple.

Think about it for a second, could you imagine the theft and insanity if literally ANYONE could just sign up and gain access to listed homes with a lockbox. 

There are very common sense reasons agents, MLS, realtors exist.

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  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    2y

    @Prasanna K.

    just buy off market and you can work out anything you want with the sellers.

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  • Trevor Richardson
    Real Estate Broker · Reno, NV · Member since 2023 · 267 posts · 297 votes
    2y

    You need a license, it’s pretty simple.

    Think about it for a second, could you imagine the theft and insanity if literally ANYONE could just sign up and gain access to listed homes with a lockbox. 

    There are very common sense reasons agents, MLS, realtors exist.

    3Reply
  • Lynn McGeein
    Real Estate Agent · Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    @Prasanna K. You’d require a license for both of those. If you do enough business then it’s worth it. Agents are not allowed to give you access without being present, even if it’s on a regular contractor box. And some mls fields are private, cannot share with unlicensed people.

    1Reply
  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    2y

    Well just ask yourself.....if you were selling your house, would you let complete strangers have access to the information on how to get into your house? And let complete strangers then get into the house? 

    What if that access were given to criminals? To sex offenders?

    There's very good reasons you have to be licesensed and pass a criminal background check to get a license. As well as having insurance in case something bad accidently happens to the Property.

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  • Ryan KellyBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    @Russell Brazil I had to explain this to numerous people this past weekend. It’s all about liability.

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  • Bruce Lynn
    Real Estate Broker · Coppell, TX · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y

    As far as I know, MLS access is only for dues paying licensed members, so unless you get licensed and pay probably $1000 or more a year, you won't be able to get direct access....and you'll also pay for some additional headaches. If you're just buying 1-2-3 a year to me way too much of a time waster, to save you and your agent time.

    I'm guessing by what you mean is the access to the Seller's disclosure and any info posted online by the listing agent?  Maybe a survey and T47?

    Otherwise about the closest you can get is something like PropHawk in Texas....this is probably the best, or maybe PropStream or DealMachine. That's probably $30-$50/month. Those can help you shift and sort perhaps, help determine some values and do some marketing if that helps you. Won't show extra documents posted in MLS though.

    99% of the time these are not going to give you lockbox access.   Occasionally you might find an investor/owner with a vacant house that puts a Rently box on or some kind of combo, but most of the time you will need a realtor to escort you.  If you have a buyer's agent, please do NOT call the listing agent to have them provide access.  That can create some frustration in your deals.  Realtors are licensed and background checked and you also have to pay for monthly access for the Supraboxes...so again to buy 1-2-3 houses a year, probably not worth the headache and expense.

    How many houses do you plan to buy?   How many do you plan to see before you buy.   I know every agent is different, but I want to go with my buyers.  I like to point out issues to save you time and money.  I want to hear what you think, what you like and don't like, your opinions.  You want to tap your realtors brain and experience for as much info as you can and you do that together at the house.  A great agent is your brain trust.

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