Why would I want to syndicate?

Syndication offers brokers the opportunity to automatically share their listing data to over 80 websites. With just a click, listing information is pushed to a broad and powerful network of websites visited by thousands of people every day. This network of websites greatly increases the exposure of listings, which means more leads and potential opportunities for buyers and sellers to connect.

Why wouldn’t I want to syndicate?

Brokers who decide not to syndicate do so, generally, because they don’t like the way outside websites handle their listing data. Some websites only display certain parts of the listing information, or the listings they display aren’t updated often enough – sometimes appearing available when they’re actually off-market. Some websites don’t openly display the listing broker or agent’s name or contact information.

There are a variety of reasons some brokers choose not to syndicate, but the bottom line is almost always related to how their data is handled once it’s shared beyond the MLS. At the end of the day, it is entirely the broker’s choice and you have to weigh the pros and cons to make the decision you feel is best for your business.

Do I have to syndicate?

No. As a broker, the decision to syndicate is completely up to you. You have total control over your own listing information. It’s your intellectual property and you have the option to choose when, where and how your listing data is shared via syndication, if at all.

How do I opt out of syndication?

Syndication within the MLS is handled by SABOR’s Syndication Dashboard. This tool will let the managing broker opt-in/opt-out of SABOR controlled feeds. You will automatically be opted in for the San Antonio Express News and realtor.com, but opted out of Apartments.com.

Syndication within the MLS can also be handled at the listing level. Use the “Internet Listing” field inside connectMLS™ to indicate ‘Y’ or ‘N’ in regards to syndication. This will also control IDX and VOX. If you select N, the listing will not be fed to brokerage websites either.

How much does syndication cost?

Syndication within connectMLS™ is free but may require a subscription on the third-party site depending on which portal you select.

Prices vary when it comes to third-party vendors. ListHub, for example, offers a free service but charges a fee for reports on traffic and other analytics collected through their network.

If I want to syndicate my listing data, how do I get started?

If you are the broker of your office, go to SABOR’s Syndication Dashboard and select your preferences. Then go to Listhub, login, and select your preferences there too.