Key Facts
Here are some key facts about First MLS (FMLS):
- Approximate Membership Size: First MLS has more than 57,000 members, including real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers.
- Mergers: Formed through the merger of three Atlanta-area MLSs: Atlanta Board of Realtors MLS, DeKalb Board of Realtors MLS, and East Atlanta Board of Realtors MLS.
- Top Counties and Cities Covered: An MLS branded as a “First” in its region covers major metropolitan areas along with surrounding counties. It includes Fulton, Dekalb, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties, covering cities such as Atlanta, Decatur, Marietta, and Lawrenceville.
- Associations Served: First MLS serves a total of 12 associations within its coverage area.These partnerships help ensure that MLS members have access to a wide range of resources, including educational opportunities, advocacy, and industry updates.
Integrating First MLS IDX data
Building IDX websites for First 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?
An IDX feed, also called Internet Data Exchange, is a set of technology tools that allows agents and brokers to display latest property listings on their websites by fetching it from the local Multiple Listing Service or MLS.
The purpose of an IDX feed is to populate the agent’s website with the latest properties to attract potential buyers and sellers directly on their website and stop them from going to Zillow, Trulia or Redfin. IDX websites are SEO optimized builds your brand name by attracting high value organic traffic and generating leads at the same time.
Why do I need an IDX feed for First MLS?
If you want to build your online presence using your website, an IDX feed for First 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 First MLS is a must if you wish to display active or sold listings from First MLS on your website.
How do I get First MLS listings on my website?
There are two ways to integrate First MLS IDX data with your website:
(1) Get a direct IDX feed from the MLS. This method usually requires you to complete paperwork with the MLS, pay one-time setup fees, and monthly feed access fees in order to get the data. In addition, you are responsible for downloading, hosting, and managing the data, which can be quite expensive ($500-$2,000 per month) and making it readily available on your website.
(2) Work with an approved IDX vendor. Vendors like Web4Realty have direct access to First MLS IDX data and are able to make accurate IDX data available to approved members of First 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.
First MLS Background
First MLS played a central role in standardizing listing practices and facilitating agent cooperation in Georgia. Additionally, it also contributed to the growth and professionalism of the state’s real estate industry. With its focus on creating empowered realtors, it offers members access to extensive resources, technology, and data, to enhance their competitiveness. First MLS represents a long-standing commitment to collaboration and innovation within the industry.
What are the top cities served by First MLS?
First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) covers a wide area, primarily focused on the state of Georgia in the United States. As of my last update, cities included in the FMLS coverage area, among others, are Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Decatur, Roswell, Lawrenceville, Cumming, Sandy Springs, Duluth, Norcross, Woodstock, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Canton, Gainesville, Buford, Suwanee, Douglasville, Fayetteville, and Stone Mountain.
What are the top counties served by First MLS?
First MLS covers the following counties: Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb, Cherokee, Forsyth, Hall, Clayton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Fayette, Coweta, Bartow, Newton, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Pickens, and Spalding.
Which associations are part of First MLS?
First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) covers a variety of real estate associations and boards, including the Atlanta Realtors Association, Cobb Association of Realtors, Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of Realtors, DeKalb Association of Realtors, Cherokee Association of Realtors, Fayette County Board of Realtors, Paulding Board of Realtors, West Metro Board of Realtors, Hall County Board of Realtors, Barrow Board of Realtors, Jackson County Board of Realtors, Walton-Barrow Board of Realtors, Pickens County Board of Realtors, and the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors.
