Some vendors may lose access to BrightMLS data—and it could happen soon.
In an email obtained by BAM, Relitix explained to its customers—ones who also have a BrightMLS data feed—about upcoming changes outlined by the MLS.
BrightMLS is the second-largest multiple listing service in the country, and recently met with Relitix as part of a “routine review.” After the review, they were told its use of agent and office contact information “contrary to the terms” of BrightMLS’s license agreement.
As a result, Relitix has been notified that this information will be removed from its BrightMLS data feed starting September 6.
On today’s Knowledge Brokers Podcast, Tom Toole and Lisa Chinatti broke it down, starting at 31:31:
BrightMLS Restricts Data Access for Some Vendors
After speaking with an executive, Relitix learned that BrightMLS’s compliance team, which has completely turned over since the vendor’s original license was approved in 2020, is removing agent and office contact information from all external data feeds.
They were told that the decision to restrict access was driven by the MLS staff rather than the board of directors, who are now targeting any use of BrightMLS data for agent recruiting purposes.
Implications of the Change
The removal of agent and office contact information represents a challenge for the vendor, a platform that analyzes MLS data to provide its users with insights into agent performance, office dynamics, and market conditions.
Relitix stated it will continue to advocate for full data transparency, as mandated by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). They argue that new restrictions push brokers toward expensive alternative data sources that may not provide the same level of accuracy or value.
Will Other Vendors Lose Access?
At the time of writing, ShowingTime’s MarketView Broker—another platform that offers data and analytics for recruiting purposes—has not received any notice about losing access to BrightMLS data.
This raises questions about whether other vendors may soon face similar restrictions.
When asked about the decision, a spokesperson from the BrightMLS told BAM:
“We treat all vendors alike and provide licenses and access to our subscriber real estate agents and brokers’ valuable real estate data only when the vendors demonstrate they are using each piece of the data for permissible purposes — to serve our subscribers. We are in communication with the vendor about our agreement.”
NAR Policy on Data Access: What Does It Say?
NAR’s Policy Statement 8.7 outlines the rights of MLS participants to access Brokerage Back Office (BBO) Data, which includes listing and roster information. According to NAR:
That participants are entitled to use, and MLSs must provide to participants, the BBO Data, for BBO Use subject to the Terms below:
“BBO Data” means all real property listing and roster information in the MLS database, including all listings of all participants, but excludes (i) MLS only fields (those fields only visible to MLS staff and the listing participant), and (ii) fields and content to which MLS does not have a sufficient license for use in the Brokerage Back Office Feed.
“BBO Use” means use of BBO Data by participant and subscribers affiliated with the participant for the following purposes:
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- Brokerage management systems that only expose BBO Data to participant and subscribers affiliated with participant.
- Customer relationship management (CRM) and transaction management tools that only expose the BBO Data to participant, subscribers affiliated with participant, and their bona fide clients as established under state law.
- Agent and brokerage productivity and ranking tools and reports that only exposes BBO Data to participant and subscribers affiliated with participant.
- Marketplace statistical analysis and reports in conformance with NAR MLS Policy Statement 7.80, which allows for certain public distribution.
Stay tuned as the story develops.
