RESO Web API vs. RETS

As you know there are great changes in today's real estate tech market. In June, 2018 RESO stopped supporting RETS officially and offered to convert to RESO Web API, "the next advancement that realtors deserve today". It is built on more efficient, open technology standards. Consequently RESO Web API technology is gradually replacing RETS (Real Estate Transaction Standard). Even though RETS is still being used by majority of MLS providers, more and more MLS providers have to become RESO Web API compliant and announce their dates of switching to Web API. So what's the real difference between these technologies?

RESO Web API vs. RETS

RESO Web API is an API (Application Programming Interface) which allows developers to build their applications much faster. The point is this new RESO standard allows developers to call MLS database directly while RETS required duplication of MLS database on a real estate website server and its regular updates. Thus you have lower hosting expenses, less coding and MLS data is better protected.
In addition, the other benefits include:
* RESO Data Dictionary standardizes all data which makes programming more efficient and faster
* MLS data obtained via RESO Web API is more accurate and secure
(you can get more information from RESO Web API)

How to become RESO Web API compliant?

Make sure that your MLS provider already adopted RESO Web API. If it didn't, just wait for this event. Your MLS provider will definitely notify you about this beforehand and if you are using Estatik Premium, just contact us and our support team will help you with this transfer.
If you do not use Estatik Premium and you are interested in organic MLS import via RESO Web API, you should first go directly to your MLS and request data feed via Web API. Becoming an official MLS data recipient, you'll have to agree to your MLS's data use rules and policies. This procedure is generally the same for every MLS and you can find some general steps here.

Does RESO Web API provide organic import?

Estatik Premium offers only organic MLS import. Despite the fact that these two technologies are absolutely different from technical point of view (RETS is built on XML feed while RESO web api on API), you will achieve the same result on your website: your MLS listings will be imported and stored on your website server which is good for SEO.

We hope we covered the main differences between these two technologies and now you have a better understanding how it works. Anyway, our team is always around should you require any assistance or have any questions. Please use our chat window available on every page of our website or contact us page.
Take care!