Listing Bits Facilitating the Shift to RESO Web API with Rebecca Jensen of the MLS Grid
We’ve all heard the rallying cry to drop RETS and move over to the RESO Web API. What’s been less clear is exactly how to go about making that transition. So, what’s step one? How exactly might vendors help make this shift happen?
Rebecca Jensen is the President and CEO at Midwest Real Estate Data, the real estate data aggregator that provides the Chicagoland multiple listing service to more than 45K subscribers. Under Rebecca’s leadership, MRED was named Most Innovative MLS by Inman News. Rebecca also serves as the Board Chair for MLS Grid, a technology company created by MLSs across the country to deliver on the RESO Standards and provide vendors with a single access point for the data of participating MLSs in addition to a unified licensing agreement, standardized business rules and policing processes.
Today, Rebecca explains how the MLS Grid provides both a unified data feed and compliance process. She shares the tech company’s progress in getting the IDX feed and licensing agreements up and running as well as her long-term vision to have all software connect through the platform. Rebecca discusses the cost to vendors to access MLS data through the Grid and walks us through her efforts to facilitate a graceful transition from RETS to Web API. Listen in to understand the opportunity for vendors to test their apps against new systems like MLS Grid and get access to MRED’s step-by-step guide for RESO Web API adoption.
What’s Discussed:
How the MLS Grid serves as a unified platform to deliver RESO standards
How the Grid provides a unified data feed and licensing agreement
MRED’s step-by-step guide for vendors regarding Web API adoption
MLS Grid’s work to finalize VOW and back office licensing agreements
How MLSs set prices for vendors to access their data through MLS Grid
Rebecca’s long-term vision to have all software connect through the Grid
The benefits of the unified compliance process provided by MLS Grid
Rebecca’s insight on the different ways to approach consolidation
Rebecca’s efforts to transition from RETS to Web API gracefully
How long it may take to convert a RETS infrastructure to Web API
The difference between an API and the data dictionary itself
The need for vendors to test their apps against new systems like MLS Grid
Rebecca’s call for vendors and MLSs to plan for Web API adoption
Resources:
Mike Wurzer & Andy Woolley on Listing Bits EP035
Connect with Rebecca Jensen: