Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does the RETS "data feed" really work?

   The data feed is actually a data pull that is initiated by the subscriber using the RETS interface. RETS is an XML based query language that gives a developer the ability to create custom queries to pull MLS listing data from an MRIS server.

2. How can I extract data from the database if I don't want to write my own client program?

   MRIS makes available a generic client called Conduit that will automatically log into the database and acquire data files based on your stored pre-defined queries. Data files are stored on your hard drive for processing into your database at your convenience.

3. How often can a company that has a "data feed" extract data from the source database?

   As often as they want. The service is available "on demand" so the subscriber can query for updated data many times throughout the day, or as infrequently as they need.

4. What are the advantages to a company in using RETS access rather than the Bridge^®?

   It gives them the ability to customize an application to their own specifications and to generate reports using sold/closed data, data that is not available through the Bridge.

5. What are the advantages to a company in using the Bridge^® rather than the RETS feed?

   They do not have to develop the application and it gives them a very fast, optimized database to access active listing data.

6. What are the disadvantages to a company in using the RETS feed and not the Bridge^®?

   They have to develop the application(s) they want to use with the data, requiring a development staff and continuing software maintenance. Also, the current RETS database is not optimized for real time searches which means brokers have to retrieve the data and then put it into their own database for searching.

7. What are the disadvantages to a company in using the Bridge^® rather than the RETS feed?

   Bridge users are limited to only the feature set that MRIS has put into the Bridge product. Customizations of the Bridge are not possible, so the product must be used as delivered.

8. Can an agent get the data for a Web site?

   Yes, with the permission and oversight of his/her broker. Brokers must co-sign the license agreement with agents to verify that they will make sure the agents follow all the appropriate rules and applicable laws.

9. Do you have a framable generic IDX site that I can use to insert listing search capability into my Web site without downloading data?

   No. Unfortunately, at the moment, MRIS doesn't offer a simple solution for an agent who wants to add IDX listing data display to his/her own custom Web site. We periodically review options for agents, including Web site providers, and will publish our findings here.

10. Can I have someone build my site for me and put the listing search into the site?

    Yes. A Web site vendor may become a master licensed data recipient who could then take a data feed from MRIS and build for you (and others) a custom search and display IDX module. This involves considerable programming on the part of the vendor but if they have a number of customers in our market they could build it once and then offer it to all. We would be happy to discuss this option with your current vendor.

11. Who are the Web site vendors who have master licenses to display MRIS licensed content within their product offerings?

    The current list is as follows: Birdview - www.birdview.com Homes.com - www.homes.com IDX, Inc. - www.idxbroker.com Listings to Go - www.listingstogo.com Virtual Properties - www.virtualproperties.com Team Where to Live - www.wheretolive.com REALTOR.com - www.realtor.com Property Minder - www.propertyminder.com Wolfnet - www.wolfnettech.com KMA Net - www.GoMethod.com Advanced Access - www.advancedaccess.com iHomefinders - www.iHomefinder.com SOAR Solutions/HouseValues - www.soarsolutions.net Top Producer Systems - www.topproducer.com Atlas Agent Solutions - www.atlasagentsolutions.com HouseHunt - www.househunt.com Diverse Solutions - www.DiverseSolutions.com Real Estate Webmasters - www.realestatewebmasters.com Tiger Lead Solutions - tigerlead.com Please note this is not an endorsement of any of these companies and agents are advised to do their own due diligence in determining whether a particular vendor's offering is appropriate for their use and needs.

12. I'm a real estate person, not a Web developer. What other alternatives are available if I don't want to get so deeply involved in the technical aspects of my Web site?

    Another alternative is our ActiveAgent® product that costs $350 per year with a $99 initial set-up fee. You could have your vendor frame the search portion of the ActiveAgent page and incorporate it into your Web site. It will not match the look, design or color scheme of your site, as the custom solution would, but it has low price and immediate availability as advantages.

13. Where do I call for more information or with questions?

    If you want to discuss purchasing MRIS products such as ActiveAgent®, Lingo® or MRIS Bridge®, please contact our Client Development Department, either by phone at 301-838-7255 or Email Client Development, and an MRIS account manager will return your call. If you want to discuss an MRIS Data License using the RETS interface, please contact Sales, either by phone at 301-301-838-7255 or Email Sales.