The Real Estate Network (REN) was launched in March 2012 to support the opportunity for content owners to advertise listings on websites operated by real estate franchises and other brokerage network organizations. Now, the REN supports a new category of publishers comprised of MLSs who operate consumer-facing real estate search websites.

The core function of the REN is to provide listing content owners, such as brokers, with a voluntary option to advertise their listings on industry websites within a specific set of rules which serves as a framework for the value exchange between the owner of the content and the publisher of the website. The MLS REN Rules were formed based on input from a broad set of industry participants, including brokers, MLSs, and The Realty Alliance. To review the MLS REN display rules click here.

MLS Public Websites As ListHub Publishers FAQ

Why is ListHub adding an MLS public websites to the ListHub publisher network?
ListHub provides brokers with broad options to support online advertising for their listings. Those brokers who are looking for maximum exposure for their listings will likely see the MLS website as an attractive new option to generate consumer traffic and leads for their listings.

What is the REN?
The REN, or Real Estate Network, is all about enabling new categories of advertising between different parties within the real estate industry by creating a framework with display rules so that content owners and publisher can make an informed decision whether or not they want to participate. The REN launched in 2012, and was originally limited to a service allowing brokers to syndicate their listings to franchise websites like remax.com, coldwellbanker.com, century21.com, and realtyexecutives.com. The REN has now expanded to include a framework for MLS participants in the network.

What is the difference between Franchises and MLSs participants in the REN?
Franchise participants and MLS participants have different sets of display rules in place. You can always review both in detail, but there are 2 key differences Franchise REN Participants are limited to receive listings in markets where they have affiliates, and they have freedom over the routing of the leads from those listings. MLS REN Participants may receive listings anywhere they wish to offer their service, and must route leads directly to the listing broker or agent.

Who is eligible to be an MLS REN Participant?
Any legal MLS which decides to.

Do the MLS and Franchise participants share data under the REN program?
No, this is not required (although it is not prohibited). MLSs who participate as a REN publisher must facilitate the option for their member brokers to syndicate to any other MLS REN Participant’s public site if they are receiving listings via REN. Similarly, REN Franchises who receive listings via REN must also send their listings to the other REN Participants. But there is no requirement for the two groups to share between them, as these are 2 different programs with different rules.

Who gets the leads from the listings on MLS Public Sites?
Leads are required to be sent exclusively to the listing broker or agent (or the lead management email or phone number provided by the brokerage).

What are the allowed uses of my listing content by the MLS?
In summary, only for consumer display on their public site or mobile app, and in a limited fashion to produce trends, graphs, etc. Any other uses are strictly forbidden. You can review the complete set of rules here.

Am I able to choose whether or not my listings will be displayed on the MLS public website?
Yes. Brokers always have control with ListHub to choose the sites where they wish to advertise.

Will I be able to see how much traffic and how many leads I’m getting on the MLS site?
Yes, the REN participants are required to provide metrics as part of their participation agreement.