Alternative to MLS

[John Yu]

What is the best alternative method to search for properties if you want to focus on MLS listings but without MLS access? Personally I found Redfin is the best alternative as new listings show up on Redfin as soon as they are on the market. Does everyone agree? I noticed Zillow and Trulia are usually a few days old. I don't understand Zillow being a public traded company can't get their listings updated or pulled from MLS as quickly as Redfin. Am I missing something?

[Devin Ratoosh]

John Yu

Since Redfin is a broker that employs agents, I believe they purchase a subscription giving them a direct feed to the MLS. Zillow pulls their listing data from a separate feed which is why there is a time lag between the two.

Most of my clients use Redfin or my personal website to view MLS listings. If you don't mind receiving sales calls you should try signing up for a local brokers website. Most have idx feeds that give up-to-date MLS info.