Key Facts
- Membership Size: NorthstarMLS has 21,000 real estate professionals as members.
- Major Counties and Cities Covered: NorthstarMLS covers a wide area, primarily focused in Minnesota. Some of the major counties it serves are Hennepin County, Ramsey County, and Dakota County, among others. NorthstarMLS also serves a number of cities such as Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Bloomington, providing comprehensive coverage of the Twin Cities metropolitan area and beyond.
- Historical Mergers: With a vision to expand its reach and capabilities ,NorthstarMLS has undergone a number of mergers and collaborations. While specific merger details may vary, it generally has grown over the years through integrating with other local and regional MLS systems to enhance service offerings and create a more unified real estate market for its members.
- Associations Served: NorthstarMLS is a member of the Minneapolis Area REALTORS®, Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® Association of Southern Minnesota. NothstarMLS aids in facilitating real estate transactions by offering comprehensive data, tools, and services across the regions covered.
Integrating Northstar MLS IDX data
Building IDX websites for Northstar 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, or Internet Data Exchange feed, is a technology solution that allows real estate agents and brokers to display up-to-date property listings from their local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on their websites or real estate platforms.
It enables real estate professionals to provide valuable property information to potential buyers and sellers on their website directly instead of directing clients to portals like Zillow and Redfin, thus enhancing their online presence and client engagement.
Why do I need an IDX feed for Northstar MLS?
If you want to create your online presence using your website, an IDX feed for NorthstarMLS 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 NorthstarMLS is a must if you wish to display active or sold listings from NorthstarMLS on your website.
How do I get Northstar MLS listings on my website?
There are two ways to integrate Northstar 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 NorthstarMLS 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 such as Web4Realty have direct access to NorthstarMLS IDX data and can provide correct IDX data to approved members of NorthstarMLS. You won’t have to worry about compliance issues, data vendor migrations, hosting fees, or uptime. Some providers, such as Web4Realty, even offer plugins for popular website platforms such as WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy, allowing you to launch your website in minutes.
Northstar MLS Background
Northstar MLS is a regional multiple listing service (MLS) serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. It serves as an important tool for real estate professionals for comprehensive database of property listings, sales data, and real estate market trends. NorthstarMLS’s member centric focus has made it a reliable entity to facilitate the sharing of property information by ensuring that its members have access to accurate and up-to-date information to serve their clients effectively. Over the years, NorthstarMLS has grown to become one of the leading MLS systems in the region with some of the best realty tech and services to serve its database of members.
What are the top cities served by Northstar MLS?
Northstar MLS covers several cities, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Edina, Woodbury, Eagan, Lakeville, Coon Rapids, Burnsville, Blaine, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Eden Prairie, and Shakopee.
What are the top counties served by Northstar MLS?
Northstar MLS covers several counties, including Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright, Sherburne, Isanti, Chisago, Pierce (WI), St. Croix (WI), Benton, Stearns, McLeod, Sibley, and Le Sueur.
Which associations are part of Northstar MLS?
Northstar MLS covers a variety of real estate associations or boards including the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®, Minneapolis Area REALTORS®, Western Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, REALTORS® Association of Southern Minnesota, Lake Region Association of REALTORS®, Southeast Minnesota Association of REALTORS®, West Central Association of REALTORS® (MN), Northwest Minnesota Association of REALTORS®, East Central Minnesota Association of REALTORS®, Itasca County Board of REALTORS®, and the Heartland Lakes Association of REALTORS®.
