Do you need to work with a brokerage to access MLS?

[Sebastian Rivas]

Hi, I'm aware that most likely I need to be a registered realtor and pay subscription fees to access the MLS, but do I also have to work with a brokerage? I'm interested in getting MLS access as an investor, but I already have a full time job and have no intention of working as an agent full time. I am quite interested in the tools MLS has and the historic prices.

Thank you

[Russell Brazil]

You need to have an active real estate license (and yes you have to be under a broker to be active) or be a licensed appraiser to have MLS access. The MLS is not for random people to casually browse. It has the details on how to access peoples homes in it. Any information you may casually need as an investor can be found on a consumer front facing MLS portal.