Since its release back in 1999, RETS, or Real Estate Transaction Standard, has been the best technology available for MLSs in the real estate industry. Nowadays, RESO or the Real Estate Standards Organization is the norm, providing MLSs with the technology to enable safe, fast, and seamless data transfers between different systems.
All MLSs owned by REALTOR switched to the RESO technology standard in 2016, enabling developers and programmers to create friendlier and faster apps and websites.
This transition to RESO standards has paved the way for the development of advanced Real Estate APIs, which offer more efficient and flexible data access and integration capabilities for real estate websites and applications.
Let’s take a look at a few of the benefits the RESO Web API has to offer.
Streamlined Data Transfers
The RESO Web API uses an application programming interface, which in turn allows users to search and import through an MLS directly when looking for a real estate listing.
Less Maintenance Cost
The maintenance costs go down since you have a more straightforward system with a unified data structure. In the long term, any data changes from the MLS will not require large-scale redevelopment.
Faster Integration
The RESO Web API packs the rules and processes used to retrieve data from the MLS in a single component.
Once MLS complies with the RESO standard, it allows developers to create automated third-party real estate apps. MLS Import is an excellent example of such an application.
Our plugin allows you to connect your MLS, which is RESO standards-compliant, to your favorite Real Estate WordPress theme.
As a buyer, you get 100% assistance for the plugin setup, MLS import, and plugin updates, and you are sure your IDX website is always up to date.
Speedy Implementation
Switching from RETS to the newer and better RESO system can be done promptly. A growing development community is built around the RESO Web API, making it easier to overcome any problems you may encounter.
FAQ
What is the difference between RETS and RESO for MLS data transfers?
RETS (Real Estate Transaction Standard) was introduced in 1999 and was long used by MLSs to move listing data between systems. RESO (Real Estate Standards Organization) is the newer norm and focuses on safe, fast, and seamless data transfers using standardized structures and modern approaches like the RESO Web API.
How does the RESO Web API streamline searching and importing listings from an MLS?
The RESO Web API provides an application programming interface (API) that lets users search and import listings directly through an MLS. In practice, that means real estate websites and applications can pull listing information in a more standardized way rather than relying on custom, system-by-system methods.
Why can RESO Data Standards reduce ongoing maintenance costs for MLS integrations?
Maintenance costs can drop because RESO promotes a unified data structure and a more straightforward system for working with MLS data. Over time, when the MLS makes data changes, you are less likely to need large-scale redevelopment compared with less standardized approaches.
How does RESO make it easier and faster for developers to integrate MLS data into apps and websites?
The RESO Web API bundles the rules and processes for retrieving MLS data into a single component, which helps speed up integration work. Once an MLS complies with the RESO standard, developers can more easily build automated third-party real estate apps and websites that access and integrate MLS data.
How can a RESO-compliant MLS connect to a WordPress real estate theme, and what support is mentioned?
The article describes a plugin that connects a RESO standards-compliant MLS to a real estate WordPress theme (an “MLS Import” type of application). It also states that buyers receive 100% assistance with plugin setup, MLS import, and plugin updates, with the goal of keeping the IDX website up to date.
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