What Is MLS Syndication in Real Estate?

MLS syndication is the process where a listing published on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is automatically distributed to hundreds of real estate websites. This includes major platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Homes.com, and thousands of brokerage and agent IDX sites.

đź’ˇ How MLS Syndication Works

  • A licensed broker publishes your listing to the MLS.
  • The MLS sends your listing to licensed IDX websites and national portals.
  • Sites like Realtor.com pull directly from MLS data; Zillow uses a mix of MLS feeds + brokerage feeds.
  • Price updates, photos, status changes, and description edits automatically sync across the web.
  • More than 90% of online home search traffic originates from MLS syndication.

To learn how the MLS itself works, see What Is MLS in Real Estate? and Multiple Listing Service (Ultimate Guide).

🌎 Why MLS Syndication Matters for Home Sellers

  • Maximum exposure: Your home appears on hundreds of real estate websites instantly.
  • More showings: Buyers discover your listing no matter which site they use.
  • More offers: Greater visibility leads to stronger buyer demand.
  • Consistency: Updates to price or status automatically sync across all portals.
  • No manual uploads: Syndication removes the need to manage multiple listings manually.

See how MLS exposure compares to Zillow alone: MLS vs Zillow.

📡 Where MLS Syndication Sends Your Listing

Syndicated MLS listings appear on:

  • National portals: Zillow, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Redfin
  • Brokerage websites: Compass, Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, eXp, etc.
  • Agent IDX sites: Thousands of agent-owned websites powered by MLS data
  • Mobile apps: Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, brokerage apps
  • Local MLS public portals: Varies by region

Each portal displays your listing differently depending on its MLS data feed.

🧩 Types of MLS Data Feeds

  • IDX feed: Sends listings to licensed broker/agent websites.
  • Broker feeds: Syndicates directly from a brokerage to portals like Zillow.
  • RESO Web API: The modern MLS standard replacing RETS.
  • MLS public portal feed: Local MLS consumer site.

To understand what a listing itself is, see What Is an MLS Listing?.

âť— What MLS Syndication Does NOT Do

  • It does not list your home on the MLS—only brokers can do that.
  • It does not syndicate FSBO-only listings from Zillow or Craigslist.
  • It does not syndicate to social media platforms.
  • It does not override MLS rules, policies, or photo limits.

To list on the MLS itself, see our Flat Fee MLS Listing Guide.

Ready to List Your Home on the MLS?

List your home with a Flat Fee MLS package and get full MLS syndication across major real estate websites—without paying the 3% listing commission.

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