subject: Importing And Mapping Multiple Listing Service Mls Rets Data [print this page] If you are very new to rets, like we all were at one point I am sure the whole thing seems very confusing to you. It's really not though, the toughest part is mapping the data from the mls provider into the corresponding tables in your websites database. This article will help prepare you on what to expect when using RETS.
RETS stands for real estate transaction standard and was designed to be a standardized format for real estate webmasters to utilize. Although it was designed to be a standard, many mls providers choose to map their data differently. This break in standards is what can make mapping certain fields very difficult and it can become a trial and error process determining what fields corespond to what data.
If you are using web based php or or asp powered software to import your real estate listings, you will need to make sure that your hosting provider will allow outbound connections. Most hosting companies block certain ports and restrict outbound access. If your rets software can't connect, it can't download listings.
Don't forget most mls update on a daily basis, many 2 or 3 times a day. This can be very intense on your web hosting providers server. The recommended setup for hosting a website that imports real estate listings on a daily basis is a dedicated server or vps. Make sure you have at least 512 megabytes of memory and root access to the server.
Since most mls update this frequently it's recommended that you set up a cron job to execute your php import script at certain intervals throughout the day. Once you map your own listings you will be own your way to having a totally automated website.
Most popular rets import software requires you to restart you web server and set up special settings, which just can't be done on a bargain hosting account. Most bargain hosting accounts are shared hosting, which means your hosting is shared with other sites. Most of the time your hosting can be shared among 100's of other sites.
Some of the most well known and popular software for importing mls listings is viele rets and transparent rets. Both will require serious knowledge of php to install and if you plan on acquiring your own server, you will need to know shell commands to set it up. Setting up a rets impoting website and server is not hard but does require some serious knowledge in php and database connections.
