Key Facts
- Membership Size: Stellar MLS is one of the largest Multiple Listing Services in the United States, with approximately 68,000 members, making it a significant player in the real estate market.
- Major Counties and Cities Covered: Stellar MLS provides services across Central and Southwest Florida, including :
- Hillsborough County (including Tampa)
- Orange County (including Orlando)
- Pinellas County (including St. Petersburg)
- Sarasota County (including Sarasota)
This extensive coverage area encompasses some of the most active real estate markets in Florida.
- Historical Mergers: Stellar MLS was formed from the merger of My Florida Regional MLS with some other MLS groups. These mergers have helped Stellar MLS position itself as a leading MLS in the region.
- Associations Served: Stellar MLS serves a wide range of local Realtor® associations, including:
- Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association
- Tampa REALTORS®
- Sarasota and Manatee REALTORS®
Integrating Stellar MLS IDX data
Building IDX websites for Stellar MLS can be really easy or extremely difficult depending (1) how you choose to access the data and (2) whether or not you choose to work with an approved vendor.
Before we jump into the details, let’s start with the basics:
What is an IDX feed?
MLSs are the origin point of data and registered members need to access that data in short intervals of time to populate their websites to attract buyers and sellers. This transfer of data from the MLS to the realtors website is enabled by an IDX feed.
An IDX feed is important for real estate agents and brokers because it helps them build their authority and brand in the local market and compete against portals like Zillow, Redfin and Trulia.
Why do I need an IDX feed for Stellar MLS?
If you want to create your online presence using your website, an IDX feed for Stellar MLS is going to be your business’s bloodline. It will help you improve your online experience for clients and prospects, demonstrate your local expertise, generate leads and overall boost your competitive edge in the local market. Moreover, access to IDX feed for Stellar MLS is a must if you wish to display active or sold listings from Stellar MLS on your website.
How do I get Stellar MLS listings on my website?
There are two ways to integrate Stellar MLS IDX data with your website:
(1) Get a direct IDX feed from the MLS. The responsibility of obtaining the direct IDX feed is upon you. You are responsible for downloading, maintaining, and managing the data, which can cost you $500-$2,000 per month in making it available on your website. Additionally, there is a list of paperwork and agreements from the Stellar MLS that you are supposed to complete. Not to forget, a one time setup fee and a monthly recurring fee for accessing the IDX feed is also charged.
(2) Work with an approved IDX vendor. Vendors like Web4Realty have direct access to Stellar MLS IDX data and are able to make accurate IDX data available to approved members of Stellar MLS. You don’t have to worry about compliance requirements, data vendor migrations, hosting costs, and uptime. Some vendors like Web4Realty even provide plugins for website platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy that allow you to get your website out the door in minutes.
Stellar MLS Background
Stellar MLS is one of the largest and most influential multiple listing services (MLS) in Florida and also the US. It serves real estate professionals across Florida and neighbouring regions. The MLS was founded through the merger and collaboration of several regional MLS systems, Stellar MLS has grown significantly over the years to expand its offerings and geographical reach. The MLS aims to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge services for real estate agents and brokers to share property listings and ensure access to a wide array of real estate options for brokers and agents. With a focus on innovation, technology, and customer service, Stellar MLS continues to evolve, offering tools and resources that promote efficiency and collaboration within the real estate community.
What are the top cities served by Stellar MLS?
Stellar MLS covers several cities including Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Bradenton, Kissimmee, Ocala, Clermont, Port Charlotte, Palm Harbor, Venice, Sanford, Winter Haven, North Port, Plant City, Davenport, Largo, and Leesburg.
What are the top counties served by Stellar MLS?
Stellar MLS covers several counties including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Manatee, Lake, Seminole, Pasco, Charlotte, Hernando, Sumter, Citrus, Marion, Levy, Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, and Volusia.
Which associations are part of Stellar MLS?
Stellar MLS covers a variety of real estate associations and boards, including the Bartow Board of REALTORS®, East Polk County Association of REALTORS®, Englewood Area Board of REALTORS®, Greater Tampa REALTORS®, Lakeland REALTORS®, Osceola County Association of REALTORS®, Pinellas REALTOR® Organization, Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte-North Port Association of REALTORS®, REALTORS® Association of Lake & Sumter Counties, REALTORS® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, South Sarasota County Board of REALTORS®, Space Coast Association of REALTORS®, Venice Area Board of REALTORS®, West Pasco Board of REALTORS®, West Volusia Association of REALTORS®, and East Pasco Association of REALTORS®.
