What RETS means to you
RETS provides an interface for you to easily access data through a RETS compliant MLS. Additionally, vendors who offer RETS compliant utilities allow you the ability to use their services without having to perform double entry as well as gives you the option to easily migrate to new services or systems.
RETS creates a way to easily share information allowing you to focus more on using the data than getting the data.
Getting Started
If your MLS already provides you with a data access program to their listing database, then you may not need to implement any access using RETS. If your MLS doesn't provide you with any pre-built data access utilities or you are requiring more advanced data access and manipulation control (i.e. management or statistical reports), then you have a few options.
There are various vendor and third party RETS Clients available, some of which are freely available. Additionally, the Center for Realtor Technology has developed a wide range of freely available RETS utilities including ezRETS, which can be used to import MLS data directly into an Excel spreadsheet.
Finally, you can outsource development of custom made utilities to meet the needs of your business logic. Please direct your developer to the list of open and freely available utilities for RETS developement