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Source MLS

Source MLS is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping MLSs clearly demonstrate the value of their data through a trademark badge and display tracking technology. The badge signals to consumers, brokers, and agents that the data can be trusted because it comes directly from the MLS, while the tracking technology delivers valuable analytics about where and how often listings are being displayed. This functionality is available for any MLS to opt into.

To opt into Source MLS, complete the following steps:

  1. Go to https://www.sourcemls.org/users/sign_up.

  2. Create a Source MLS account for your MLS.

    Note

    After you create an account, you will receive a Source MLS secret, which you need to enter into Spark Datamart to complete the opt-in process.

  3. Log into the Spark Datamart and superuse as your root MLS account.

  4. In the left-side navigation menu, click API to expand the API sub-menu.

  5. In the API section of the menu, click Source MLS.

    source-mls-setup.png

  6. Enter your Source MLS secret into the text box, and click the Update button to save your info.

    Note

    Your Source MLS secret is a unique key for your MLS. This key allows Spark to include a tamper-proof Source MLS URL with every listing, identifying your MLS as the source and the data licensee receiving the data. The Spark Terms of Use requires data licensees to display the trademark badge and implement the tracking technology when displaying listings. You can read more about how the Source MLS technology works at https://sourcemls.org.

There is a one-time start-up cost of $0.10 per member. The ongoing costs of the non-profit will be paid by each MLS paying their pro rata share of those costs based on the number of listing views tracked by the system. You can read more about this and the MLS Member Agreement here. If you have any questions, reach out to our API Support team at api-support@fbsdata.com.

What happens after I opt in?

  • Any MLS that has opted into Source MLS and provided us with their Source MLS secret will have a SourceMLSURL field added to their API feeds (all roles).

  • At that time, we will also update our Spark Developer Agreement and Spark API Terms of Use. This provision is only applicable if the MLS opts-in to Source MLS, because the Spark Platform will not include the SourceMLSURLs in the data feeds unless the MLS first opts in to using the program. This approach makes it unnecessary for any MLS using Spark to change your individual license terms and allows you to implement the program simply by opting in to the program. Updated terms include the following:

    • 2.b.7 Source MLS Display and Tracking Compliance. Developer agrees that, where MLS Content includes any Source MLS, Inc. logo, URL, or tracking mechanism, Developer must (a) display the Source MLS logo as required by Source MLS, Inc.’s Display and Usage Requirements and (b) implement the Source MLS tracking mechanism for each listing detail page view. Failure to do so constitutes a material breach of this Agreement and Terms of Use.

  • Data will start flowing to Source MLS from developers that have implemented the Source MLS badge as required.

  • You will start seeing analytics flowing into your Source MLS dashboard.

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