Just had a friend ask me this question. Curious what you folks might have to say.
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You can use the websites of many realtors to search the local multiple listing service (MLS). However, you are usually limited to “public data,” which may not be much.
Apart from that, though, I very much doubt it, because the MLS systems would not be able to charge exorbitant fees to users!
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Yes, I pay approximately $1,100 per year for my REALTOR® membership. I would prefer not simply open the books to the world.
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Not the access is the issue. It’s the precision and the tools. All consumer-level real estate search engines use data from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), but a) the data is not updated in real time, and b) there are fewer search phrases available. Any tool will do if all you want is any three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in a specific location that is valued between $150k and $200k. All of the consumer-level tools are terrible if you want to restrict your search to only homes with garages, houses up to $175k, or pretty much anything else. It is like to utilizing a 1997-updated search engine.
off-topic: Is MLS a privately held business? If so, what is preventing Redfin and other real estate websites from charging a membership fee and offering all the information that MLS offers on a more improved/user-friendly platform?
The traditional way to access MLS listings without a license is to become an assistant to a real estate agent or broker. Most MLSs allow non-licensed assistants to access their listings, often for free or for a small fee.