How to get MLS listings without Realtor license

Question

Hi All, I am a newbie here. Can someone please help me understand how a real estate app (like PropStream, Batch Leads, Deal Machine) can obtain MLS listings data without having a license? and how much does it cost per month?

Michael Sassone · Answer

9/10 times they are pulling information from public records and previous sales which is why there are sometimes discrepancies in the pricing, square footage, lot size, etc.

I've never used propstream, batch leads, or deal machine but I'd imagine that is what they are doing.

I know HomeSnap works similarly, where if I take a picture of a property, it uses it's software to take my GPS coordinates, search public records and match the public records address with MLS and then because I'm a Realtor with access to MLS I can see the actual listing data if it is a listing, or if it's off market it simply says off market and just reports the information from the last sale/public records.

Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Realtor.com all do the same thing.

Saban Becirovic · Answer

Justin,

I use Propstream so that' s the one I can speak about. It costs me $100 per month. I believe they do have direct access to MLS data, but due to rules and regulations at this point in time they can't share that actual data with it's users. So, they use the data they have access to along with some algorithms to give it's users numbers that are 99% accurate or better. You can read more about it at this link.

If you want or need actual MLS data, why don't you just reach out to a realtor and have them set you up on a few searches that you are interested in? They can set you up to receive an e-mail every morning with new houses on the market that meet your criteria. I'd be happy to get on a call and do that for you.

Let me know if this helped.

Saban