What's new with the Minnesota MLS
In a previous post I talked about broker reciprocity sites and how IDX allows you to search all the Minnesota Real Estate Listings but that the actual MLS can only be accessed by licensed real estate agents.
Apparently the Regional MLS felt that too many unauthorized users were gaining access to the system. So effective today they implemented SAFEMLS. It's their way to assure that only authorized real estate professionals have access to the NorthstarMLS system. The idea is to create Strong Authentication. Which makes me wonder is my online banking truly safe? The strong authentication is achieved by requiring the user to pair something that they have (the "token") with something they know like a PIN #, similar to an ATM PIN #. The "token" is used to generate a one time password for each time you log in. So now every time I log into the MLS I have to carry a key-fob like token with me and when I press a button a 6 digit random password shows up that I have to use to get into the system. Is this the future for all on-line business? Will I someday need to carry a key-fob for my online banking, social network sites, and online bill pay? Think about it for a moment, how many sites are you logging into that require a password? That's a lot of fobs!
Luckily, this has no affect on your ability to gain access to seeing all the Minnesota real estate listings on this site or any other broker reciprocity site.
If you would like to see the Minnesota MLS exactly the way realtors see it, give me a call and I can set you up on an automated search to receive MLS listings. The important point is that you can find all Twin Cities properties currently listed on the MLS through this web site.
Comments
MLS IDX
Posted by Kevin SandridgeMar 28, 2009 10:44 PM CDTHey Kevin, Question for you. Is there a way to iframe an mls solution (we're here in FL - so you may not know) for a blog site without paying $75-$150 per month to do it? Diversesolutions seems to be one of the best IDX solutions going, but the fee still exists. I get a lot of questions from Realtors who want to increase their SEO effectiveness by offering an IDX interface as part of their blog - but am still not sure which way to steer them. Any thoughts?
I use MLS finder and I think they are the best and would bet if they service FL they would have an answer to your question. I would email Scott over there. scott@wolfnettech.com Also stop by mlsfinder.com and see if they service your area. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.
I'm finding this post months later, so pardon the interruption. I'm currently using Diverse Solutions and love their interface. It's more expensive than some IDX providers, but you really do get what you pay for.