The purpose of CMLS’s Data Feed Policy
CMLS recognizes that there are a myriad of new products and services available to our members that often leverage listing data that originates within the MLS. This document serves as a point of reference that describes exactly what CMLS data can be used, and how.
What types of data feeds will CMLS offer?
CMLS offers 4 types of data feeds. These are the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) feed, the Internal Broker (IBF) feed, the 3rd Party Media Outlet feed and the Offmarket/Sold data feed.
How is CMLS data delivered?
CMLS uses RETS to deliver our feed data. We strongly recommend working with an experienced, reputable provider with strong competency of RETS. CMLS does not provide frameable links.
What is an IDX feed and how do I get one?
The IDX feed is the feed that CMLS makes available to Member Companies so that they and their agents may advertise all of the listings in the MLS on their websites. To gain access to the IDX feed, the Member Company Broker-in-Charge would need to work with their chosen IDX website vendor to complete the IDX feed contract and return it to CMLS. There is no charge for an IDX feed. The only acceptable use for an IDX feed is to power a public facing website to market CMLS listings.
To obtain an IDX feed, the Broker-in-Charge* will need to complete their portion of the IDX agreement and send it to the IDX vendor. The IDX vendor will complete their portion and send it to CMLS at support@columbiamls.com.
What is an IBF feed and how do I get one?
An IBF feed is designed to prevent agents from performing double data entry. The IBF feed will include 100% of the data points for only the requesting company’s listings. There are no restrictions on how this data feed can be used.
To obtain an IBF feed, the Broker-in-Charge* will need to complete the IBF agreement and send it to their product vendor. The product vendor will send it to CMLS at support@columbiamls.com.
What is a 3rd Party Media Outlet feed and how do I get one?
The data set for the 3rd Party Media Outlet feed is the same as that for IDX. The purpose of the 3rd Party feed is to provide data to entities outside of the MLS that wish to display CMLS listings. There is a $200 setup fee for this feed.
To obtain a 3rd party media outlet feed, the media outlet will complete the 3rd Party Media Outlet agreement and send it to CMLS at support@columbiamls.com. CMLS will then invoice the media outlet for the setup fee.
What is an Offmarket/Sold data feed and how do I get one?
The Offmarket/Sold data feed contains the same data set as IDX, but also includes offmarket property data going back up to 3 years. This type of data feed requires a Member to initially sponsor the vendor requesting the access. The vendor must alert CMLS when there are no active CMLS clients so the feed can be terminated.
To obtain an Offmarket/Sold data feed, the Broker-in-Charge* will need to complete their portion of the Offmarket/Sold agreement and send it to the product vendor. The product vendor will complete their portion and send it to CMLS at support@columbiamls.com.
