Hello. I am new to IDX. I have been updating the database using cron tasks and scripts to download data and import it to mysql every few hours. My client's board just switched to FlexMLS from Risco and I'm thinking it's time for me to learn how to implement IDX, except I am having a hard time working with the people at FlexMLS. They are not very customer service oriented and they keep trying to convince me to use a "smart" frame.

Is there anyone familar enough with FlexMLS that knows what the best data access option that they can offer is? They tell me that the MLS will have to authorize an FTP data stream. Is there another option? I think they provide a server that I can connect to. Can I set up a RETS ODBC driver? What's the most well featured option?

Thank you, I am in the dark so please be as thorough as possible.

Apparently there is not anyone familiar with FlexMLS enough to have replied today. Aside from FlexMLS, what is preferable, RETS server access for free or nightly FTP data stream for $600/year maintenance fee and a $499 setup fee?

What are the pros / cons of FTP vs. RETS? Do I get all of the same fields? Photos? Is learning RETS a pain in the but? It looks like there is a lot of client and database transaction applications available on RETS.org, is it likely that I will run into compatibility issues running this on FlexMLS?

When I ask FlexMLS staff these questions, they do not answer these specifics.

I have worked with FlexMLS several times (both text files and RETS) and have always had a positive experience. From what you say, it sounds like you are not talking to a person at FlexMLS, but rather a person at the MLS.

>> what is preferable, RETS server access for free or nightly FTP data stream for $600/year maintenance fee and a $499 setup fee?

RETS, in my opinion, is always preferable over a data feed.

>> What are the pros / cons of FTP vs. RETS?

FTP data feeds are generally only updated/made available once per day whereas with RETS you control how often you download the data. I have one MLS that I download every 30 minutes.

FTP data feeds tend to be more problematic (missed feeds, errors in the files, etc)

FTP data feeds offer no way to perform quality checks on the data whereas with RETS I can run just about any kind of download I want, even to download a single listing.

>> Do I get all of the same fields? Photos?

The fields and number of photos you get is decided by the MLS. Generally, you get the same thing either way. In some cases however, RETS access is only allowed for users authorized to get more than just IDX, and therefore the RETS could include more data, more fields, and more photos.

>> Is learning RETS a pain in the but?

Yes, but there are some free utilities out there made by people that already learned it. Most of them can be downloaded from the RETS.org website. The Avantia RETS client works quite well with the FBS FlexMLS RETS Server.

>> It looks like there is a lot of client and database transaction applications available on RETS.org, is it likely that I will run into compatibility issues running this on FlexMLS?

Not if you use the client I recommended above. I have fully automated the regular downloads of about 12 different MLS RETS systems and the FlexMLS ones are among the least problematic ones. The MarketLinx RETS systems (Tempo) are good too. The Rapattoni, FNIS, and Interealty RETS systems are the worst in my experience.

>> Is there anyone familar enough with FlexMLS that knows what the best data access option that they can offer is?

RETS is definitely the best way to go whereas ftp/text files is the easiest way. I wouldn't wish framing on my worst enemy.

>> They tell me that the MLS will have to authorize an FTP data stream. Is there another option?

That's up to the MLS. NAR only requires that the MLS have an IDX solution. They don't say what the solution has to be.

>> I think they provide a server that I can connect to. Can I set up a RETS ODBC driver?

No such thing. RETS provides an interface via HTTP. It's not like connecting to a database.

>> What's the most well featured option?

Definitely RETS.

It seems like this is FBS Data's policy. They offer the bare minimum that NAR requires. You make RETS sound great, I wish the MLS would hire people like you to provide some sort of support for it.

Au contraire: I believe this link http://www.crt.realtors.org/projects/rets/ezrets/ has the RETS Server ODBC connector.

Ideally I would like to just make calls to the RETS server on the fly using an ODBC connection like this. Do you think the RETS server would be slow to respond this way? (i.e. user-clicks submit on a search form, how long will the RETS server take to feed 20 results?).

If you test it out please let me know how it goes as my client is taking his time getting RETS authorization and it may be some time before I get access... I wish there were a test server I could use as a sandbox. FlexMLS cannot even provide me that.

Anyhow, thanks much for your input RobertD. Very informative. I could not find this information anywhere else, not even directly from the MLS.