As a real estate investor, you are well aware that you will need access to important data in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Making investment decisions is no easy task, and without the help of big data on your side, you won’t give yourself the best chance of success. You may be hoping to gain access to the MLS database, and you may be wondering what your options are for gaining access to the MLS. Fortunately, you have several options when it comes to getting the information you need to find the best investment properties for sale.
In this article, we’ll cover what the MLS database offers, the different ways to access the MLS database, and other tools for your investment property search.
What is the MLS database?
An MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, is a collection of real estate listings published by real estate brokers. It is created to help brokers find the information they need about a property in order to efficiently close a sale. Brokers also earn a commission on the property that is sold using their listing.
The MLS database contains useful data and information about properties for sale in the US housing market. Without it, the job of real estate agents and investors would be very difficult.
Who gets access to MLS?
Before you get excited and feel like you’ve found the golden ticket to successful real estate investing, you should know that MLS is not available to the public. It’s an exclusive database reserved for members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
This could include:
- Real Estate Agents
- Brokers
- Real estate investors who have obtained their real estate license
How to Get Access to the MLS Database
There are a number of ways to gain access to the MLS. However, they are not always cost-effective. As a real estate investor, you will have to decide which option makes the most sense for you.
How to Access the MLS Database: 7 Ways
- Get your real estate license
- Become a real estate broker or agent
- Become a NAR Member
- Hire a real estate agent
- Get Care
- Use the API to access MLS data.
- Get MLS listing analytics through a real estate agency (such as Mashvisor)
You may have heard of investors getting their own real estate licenses. While this works for some, it comes with its drawbacks, which include the high cost and serious time commitment. Some people are willing to take classes and pass an exam, but not everyone is willing to go this route. The good news is that you don’t have to.
The most common solution to access MLS listings without a license is to hire a real estate agent. If you are new to real estate investing, this can be a great opportunity to work with someone who has the knowledge. You can learn the basics while enjoying their guidance, and you will be able to access MLS listings through them.
The only downside to hiring a real estate agent is that you have to coordinate your time with someone else and put your trust in them. There can also be a lack of control, as the real estate agent has access to the MLS database, but you don’t. You’ll be relying on them to provide you with this information. For seasoned real estate investors, this can be very annoying.
How to Access MLS Without a Real Estate License or Realtor
If you’re wondering how to access the MLS database without a real estate broker or license, know that there are still options for gaining access to the MLS.
It is possible to get sponsorship and gain access to the MLS database this way, although it takes time and there is really no guarantee of success.
For many real estate investors, the simplest solution to analyzing properties in the MLS database is to leverage the resources available through real estate data analytics companies. While there are many companies that offer this information, I believe Mashvisor is the best of the best. The reason is simple. Mashvisor’s real estate listings API aggregates data from dozens of public sources and enhances it with proprietary, AI-powered investment analytics. This means investors get access to industry-leading data without having to consult multiple sources.
Mashvisor: The Ultimate Source for Real Estate Investors
Mashvisor is a great tool for real estate investors, both in terms of its property database and its robust real estate investment software. It is a comprehensive platform for investors who are serious about finding the perfect investment property and creating a successful investment strategy.
Here’s an overview of some of the tools Mashvisor offers.
Property Finder for Rent
Mashvisor’s rental property search engine combines MLS listings with listings from other sources to create the ultimate database of investment properties for sale.
A rental property search engine can help you choose the best income-generating properties based on your search criteria. It uses predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms to deliver its results, which are based on massive amounts of data and patterns among users. In short, it is able to deliver the perfect matches you are looking for.
Mashvisor’s Rental Property Search Tool
real estate market
Mashvisor’s Real Estate Marketplace is an additional resource for real estate investors interested in off-market properties anywhere in the U.S. housing market.
Finding off-market properties can often be a daunting task, and investors are often unsure how to go about finding them. The real estate market uses the same analytics and predictive data to find great matches for your investment needs. With this tool, you’ll be able to easily and efficiently find investment properties that other investors may overlook.
Mashvisor Real Estate Market
Between our rental property search tool and the real estate market, you don’t need traditional access to the MLS database. With Mashvisor, finding and analyzing MLS homes has never been easier without the need for a realtor or license. Mashvisor makes MLS home searches and analysis easy, and we also offer other tools to help analyze your rental properties.
Other Mashvisor Tools
Mashvisor’s real estate heat map is an invaluable asset for investors who need information about specific neighborhoods and want to conduct rental market analysis. This tool can help you make your decision about where to buy your investment properties based on performance data.
Real Estate Heat Map from Mashvisor
Another great tool Mashvisor offers is the Rental Property Calculator. With the Rental Property Calculator, you can quickly determine whether a property is worth your time and money. By entering basic financing information, the calculator will give you all the relevant metrics you need for a comprehensive real estate investment analysis.
Mashvisor’s property rental calculator.
As you can see, there are many ways to access the MLS database without a real estate license. Whatever method works best for you, know that Mashvisor is here to meet all your real estate investing needs.
To learn more about how Mashvisor can help you make faster, smarter real estate investment decisions, sign up now.
