NEW YORK MLS GUIDE

MLS Options in New York: Board MLS vs. Independent Statewide MLS

Not every New York licensee is a Realtor®, and not every MLS requires board membership. Here's how MLS access works in New York, what changed after the 2024 NAR settlement, and how to choose the right option for your business.

THE BASICS

What Is an MLS?

A multiple listing service (MLS) is a shared database where real estate professionals list properties for sale and search listings from other brokers. An MLS helps agents find properties for buyers, research comparable sales and get listings in front of more buyers through syndication to consumer websites.

KNOW THE TERMS

Salesperson, Broker and Realtor®: What's the Difference?

Salesperson

Licensed by New York State after the 77-hour course and state exam. Must work under a sponsoring broker.

Broker

Licensed after additional education, experience and the broker exam. Can run a firm and supervise agents.

Realtor®

A licensee who belongs to the National Association of Realtors®. Membership is voluntary, not a state licensing requirement.

COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS

Two Ways to Access an MLS in New York

OPTION 1

Local Board MLS

• Usually tied to Realtor® board membership

• Coverage focused on a local or regional market

• Board dues plus MLS fees

• Board rules govern listing submission and display

OPTION 2

Independent MLS (NYStateMLS)

• No Realtor® membership required

• Statewide coverage, part of the nationwide MYStateMLS network

• Open listings allowed

• Listings syndicated to major consumer real estate websites

• Use alongside a local MLS, or as an alternative to one

Many professionals use both: a local board MLS for their home market and NYStateMLS for wider exposure.

WHAT CHANGED

The 2024 NAR Settlement

In August 2024, practice changes from the NAR commission settlement took effect. Offers of buyer-broker compensation were removed from Realtor® MLSs, and agents working with buyers must now have a written agreement before touring homes.

These changes have led many brokers to take a fresh look at how they market listings and which MLS options fit their business. Whichever MLS you use, always follow its rules for when and how listings must be submitted.

WHO CAN JOIN

NYStateMLS Eligibility

Any licensed real estate professional can join, including:

✓ Real estate salespersons and brokers

✓ Appraisers

✓ Licensed auctioneers

✓ Mobile home dealers

Your whole brokerage doesn't need to join. Salespersons simply let their broker know they're using NYStateMLS as an additional marketing tool.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Use the MLS to Grow

✓ Give your listings more exposure

✓ Expand your working area beyond one county

✓ Search foreclosures, short sales and more

✓ Research comparable sales statewide

MANFRED MEMBER PLUS

National MLS Access, Plus the Training to Use It

Member Plus includes National MLS tools and the National MLS Marketing Specialist™ certification, along with unlimited eligible CE and everything in Manfred Membership.

Manfred Real Estate Learning Center is the only New York real estate school affiliated with MYStateMLS.

MLS Q&A

New York MLS Questions

Q: Do I have to be a Realtor® to use an MLS in New York?

A: Not always. Local board MLSs are usually tied to Realtor® membership, but independent MLSs like NYStateMLS do not require it.

Q: Is Realtor® membership required for a New York real estate license?

A: No. Your license comes from New York State. Realtor® membership is voluntary, though your sponsoring broker's board affiliation may affect whether you're expected to join.

Q: Who can join NYStateMLS?

A: Any licensed professional, including real estate salespersons, brokers, appraisers, licensed auctioneers and mobile home dealers.

Q: Does my whole brokerage have to join?

A: No. Neither your brokerage nor your broker needs to join. Salespersons just make sure their broker is aware they're using NYStateMLS as an additional marketing tool to give their listings more exposure.

Q: Can I use NYStateMLS along with my local MLS?

A: Yes. It's very common to use NYStateMLS alongside a local MLS for added exposure, and some professionals use it as an alternative to a local MLS. If you belong to a local MLS, follow its rules for submitting and displaying listings.

Q: What is the difference between NYStateMLS and MYStateMLS?

A: NYStateMLS is the statewide MLS for New York, and it's part of MYStateMLS, a nationwide MLS network. Members of one are members of both.

Q: Does NYStateMLS allow open listings?

A: Yes. Open listings, where multiple brokers can market a property, are allowed. Many local board MLSs don't accept them.

Q: How do I join NYStateMLS?

A: Sign up online with your license number. Start your membership →