Hi. I have recently started working at a real estate office and am currently awaiting the results of my licensing exam. While I wait, I have been asked to create a website for the company that includes a way for visitors to search the MLS. Our office is in San Francisco and we have access to multiple MLS listings (SFARMLS, REInfoLink).

I really don't know how to go about making these MLS listings searchable on the site. Does anyone have experience with these MLS listings? I know that SFARMLS uses Rapatoni.

Is it a good idea to use something like Open Realty for this? Are there any good, easy to use solutions for adding listings to the site? Thanks for any advice you can give me.

What firm did you join? I'm somewhat surprised to hear that they requested you be responsible for building their mls search capability - I imagine that was something that you offered up (i.e. web design/development skills) during your interview?

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285 Columbus Lofts - New 63-unit Boston loft development in the former Red Cross building
FP3 Boston Condos - FP3 Fort Point Channel Boston Seaport Condos
Boston Real Estate - Providing Google Map based search of condo developments

Yeah it is something that I offered up. I previously worked as a web/graphic designer. Anyone have some ideas of where I should start?

At a minimum, I would reach out to the MLS directly and discuss from a programming perspective how they can support you - this should be a question that they receive often. From there, you can get an idea if, from a technical perspective, you would like to to code the entire thing, or hire someone to do it. But having open realty as a base is a smart move.

Search the IDX threads on this site to get an idea of what is involved to get this done.

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285 Columbus Lofts - New 63-unit Boston loft development in the former Red Cross building
FP3 Boston Condos - FP3 Fort Point Channel Boston Seaport Condos
Boston Real Estate - Providing Google Map based search of condo developments

I can help you. I am just north of you in Redding, CA. Take a look at our plug-in advanced MLS search, and let me know if you are interested.

www.mls-turbo.com (password "turbo").

The example here is for searching Redding's MLS.