MLS-Only Subscription FAQs

Understanding MLS Only

What is the MLS Only Subscription?

The MLS Only Subscription provides eligible licensed real estate professionals and appraisers with access to MRED without requiring REALTOR® membership.

MLS Only is a subscription product for MLS access. It is not membership in the Chicago REALTORS®, the Illinois REALTORS® or the National Association of REALTORS® and does not include REALTOR® member benefits such as authorized use of CAR forms and contracts, business tools such as Forewarn, use of the REALTOR® brand or advocacy representation.

Why is the Chicago Association of REALTORS® offering an MLS Only Subscription?

Earlier in 2026, MRED changed its Operating Agreement to remove its requirement that an MLS Participant be a REALTOR® member. This gave associations and other MRED access points the ability to determine whether and how they would provide MLS access to eligible non-REALTOR® professionals.

Following approval of the necessary Chicago REALTORS® bylaw amendments at the August 20 Annual Business Meeting, CAR can now offer an MLS Only Subscription to eligible professionals.

When will the MLS Only Subscription be available?

MLS Only Subscriptions will be available for purchase beginning September 1, 2026. Subscriber access will begin October 1, 2026.

Who is eligible for an MLS Only Subscription?

MLS participation is established through the brokerage. A designated managing broker, Broker of Record or other eligible principal must first establish the office’s participation through the Chicago REALTORS® before an individual licensee can obtain an MLS subscription through CAR.

MLS Only access is available to eligible real estate professionals who hold an active, valid real estate license or appraisal license in the jurisdiction where they conduct business.

I am licensed outside of Illinois. What are my options for accessing MRED?

If you hold an active, valid real estate or appraisal license outside of Illinois, you may be eligible for an MLS Only Subscription through the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. Your brokerage must first establish an MLS office account with the Chicago Association of REALTORS® before individual licensees can subscribe.

If you are already an active REALTOR® member with another REALTOR® association, you may instead access MRED through the Chicago Association of REALTORS® using the Out-of-State REALTOR® subscription option without becoming a Chicago REALTORS® member.

Have more questions about MRED access for Out-of-State REALTORS®? Jump to that section of FAQs below.

Are members of the public going to have access to the MLS?

No. Any participant in MRED, REALTOR® or not, must still hold an active and valid real estate license or appraisal license within the jurisdiction where they conduct business. In Illinois, that would be a real estate license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). 

How much does an MLS Only Subscription cost?

For the 2026-2027 year, the annual MLS Only Subscription fee is $800, prorated monthly based on the month the subscription begins.

The MLS Participant for the brokerage also pays an annual $200 MLS office fee.

For comparison, the annual MLS user subscription fee for a REALTOR® with primary or secondary membership at Chicago REALTORS® is $426 for 2026-2027. MLS fees are evaluated annually based on costs and new features.

What is included with an MLS Only Subscription?

MLS Only Subscribers receive access to MRED and MLS resources available to the Subscriber user type, including ConnectMLS, listing management and transaction tools, ShowingTime, Rental Beast, MLS training, InfoSparks and Remine.

An MLS Only Subscription does not include authorized use of Chicago REALTORS® forms and contracts, business tools like Forewarn, use of the REALTOR® brand or the full range of benefits available through REALTOR® membership. Explore REALTOR® Member Benefits.

What is not included with an MLS Only Subscription?

MLS Only does not include REALTOR® membership or member-exclusive benefits available through the Chicago REALTORS®, the Illinois REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.

This includes benefits such as CAR’s forms and contracts library, the REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR), REALTOR® member education and discounts, advocacy, member networks and leadership opportunities and use of the REALTOR® name and designation.

My personal assistant helps manage my transactions and client communications. Can they get MLS access?

Yes. We offer a Personal Assistant user type that allows designated assistants to perform MLS functions on behalf of one or more individual agents. If you have Full MLS Access, a per user fee applies for your personal assistant’s account at the same rate as other subscribers. Talk to your principal broker about setting this up when your office account is established.

What access do I get as a PLN-Only subscriber?

As a PLN-Only subscriber, you have access to MRED’s Private Listing Network within connectMLS. You can enter and search private and coming soon listings shared among MRED participants. You do not have access to the full standard MLS listing database.

What access do I get with Full MLS Access?

Full Access includes the complete connectMLS platform: active listing search across all property types, listing entry into both the Standard Listing Network and the PLN, advanced listing display controls and all other MRED platform tools.

What is the difference between a participant and a subscriber?

The participant is the principal broker of record — the licensed broker who establishes the office account and is responsible for the firm’s MLS relationship, its agents and their listing data. Subscribers are the individual agents affiliated with that office who subscribe under the participant’s account.

• Preview the Participant Agreement (will be sent via DocuSign after your application is processed and must be signed before receiving access).
• Preview the Subscriber Agreement (will be sent via DocuSign to the individual agent after their application is processed and must be signed before receiving access).

REALTOR® Membership vs. MLS Only

What is the difference between REALTOR® membership and an MLS Only Subscription?

MLS Only provides access to MRED for eligible professionals whose primary need is MLS access.

REALTOR® membership goes beyond MLS access. Members have access to business tools and contracts, education, advocacy, professional standards, market resources and opportunities to connect, lead and have a voice in the Association and the profession.

Chicago REALTORS® members are also members of the Illinois REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® and have the right to use the REALTOR® name and designation.

Why should I choose REALTOR® membership instead of MLS Only?

If you are looking for more tools to grow your business and advance your career, REALTOR® membership offers resources and opportunities beyond MLS access.

Membership includes education, business resources, advocacy, professional standards and use of the REALTOR® brand, along with benefits available through the Illinois REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.

There are also cost savings benefits for choosing full REALTOR® membership with CAR, including a lower-cost MLS access fee within your overall dues.

MLS Only may be the right option for professionals whose primary need is access to MRED. REALTOR® membership is designed for professionals looking for broader resources, representation and connection to the profession throughout their careers.

Can an MLS Only Subscriber use the REALTOR® name or designation?

No. REALTOR® is a membership designation available only to members of the National Association of REALTORS®.

An MLS Only Subscription provides access to MRED but does not provide REALTOR® membership or the right to use the REALTOR® name or designation.

Are MLS Only Subscribers required to follow professional standards or a Code of Conduct?

Yes. MLS Only Subscribers are required to follow MRED’s Code of Conduct and are accountable to the standards governing participation in MRED.

This is different from the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics, which is an obligation of REALTOR® membership.

How do I report unprofessional or unethical conduct by an MLS Only Subscriber?

If you would like to report a violation of MRED’s Code of Conduct by an MLS Only Subscriber, please use the Chicago REALTORS® MLS Only Compliance Policy process.

To file a complaint against a REALTOR® alleging conduct that violates the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, please use the REALTOR® dispute resolution process instead.

For Current REALTOR® Members

Does the launch of MLS Only change anything about my REALTOR® membership or MLS access?

No. The introduction of MLS Only does not change your existing REALTOR® membership, MLS access or member benefits.

MLS Only creates another option for eligible professionals seeking access to MRED. REALTOR® members continue to receive their existing MLS access along with the broader benefits available through the Chicago REALTORS®, the Illinois REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.

Can I switch from REALTOR® membership to an MLS Only Subscription?

Whether you can move to MLS Only depends on how your brokerage participates with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.

The designated managing broker or other eligible principal determines whether the office operates as a REALTOR® office or an MLS Only office. Individual agents should speak with their managing broker about their brokerage’s participation and the options available to them.

If I switch to MLS Only, what REALTOR® member benefits will I lose?

An MLS Only Subscriber is no longer a REALTOR® member and does not receive the member benefits available through the Chicago REALTORS®, the Illinois REALTORS® or the National Association of REALTORS®.

This includes CAR forms and contracts, member education and pricing, advocacy representation, professional standards processes like dispute resolution, member-exclusive market resources, leadership and governance opportunities and use of the REALTOR® name and designation.

If I switch to MLS Only, will my MRED dashboard change or look different?

Your log-in and dashboard to the MLS will remain the same, but certain features may be restricted. As an MLS Only Subscriber, you will no longer see features for RPR, realtor.com professional, or have access to CAR or IR forms and contracts.

For Broker/Owners & Managing Brokers

Who decides whether a brokerage operates as a REALTOR® office or an MLS Only office?

The decision remains with the designated managing broker or other eligible principal of the brokerage.

The managing broker determines whether the office operates as a REALTOR® office or does not participate in REALTOR® membership.

Can a brokerage have both REALTOR® members and MLS Only Subscribers?

If the managing broker elects REALTOR® membership for the office, the managing broker has a financial responsibility for REALTOR® dues based on the number of licensees sponsored by the office. The managing broker may require individual licensees to join as REALTORS® so the managing broker is not directly responsible for the REALTOR® dues associated with sponsoring those licensees.

If the managing broker elects not to participate in REALTOR® membership, none of the agents within that office are eligible to hold REALTOR® membership.

If my brokerage operates as an MLS Only office, can individual agents still choose REALTOR® membership?

No. REALTOR® membership is established at the office level.

If the designated managing broker or other eligible principal does not elect to hold REALTOR® membership, individual agents sponsored by that brokerage cannot independently hold REALTOR® membership. An agent who wishes to maintain REALTOR® membership would need to be sponsored by a REALTOR®-affiliated brokerage.

What should I consider when deciding between a REALTOR® office and an MLS Only office?

The decision will depend on your brokerage’s business model, your goals and the value you place on the benefits available through REALTOR® membership beyond MLS access.

A REALTOR® brokerage receives MLS access through CAR along with broader membership benefits including advocacy, forms and contracts, professional standards support, education, business tools, market resources and opportunities for leadership and industry involvement.

An MLS Only office receives access to MRED and applicable MLS services but does not receive REALTOR® membership or the associated member benefits.

Can an out-of-state brokerage or real estate professional subscribe to MLS Only through Chicago REALTORS®?

Yes. Professionals holding an active, valid real estate license outside Illinois may be eligible for MLS access through Chicago REALTORS®.

The designated managing broker or Broker of Record must first establish the office’s MLS participation with Chicago REALTORS®. Once the office is established, eligible licensees within that office can obtain MLS access through CAR.

Getting Started

How do I purchase an MLS Only Subscription?

MLS Only Subscriptions for licensees and appraisers will be available for purchase beginning September 1, 2026, with subscriber access beginning October 1, 2026. Access for Out-of-State REALTORS® is available currently.

I still have questions. Who should I contact?

For questions about the MLS Only Subscription, eligibility or your options for MLS access, contact the Chicago Association of REALTORS® at mls-subscribe@chicagorealtor.com.

For Out-of-State Brokers Opening an MLS Office

Do I need to be a member of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® to access Chicago’s MLS?

No. You do not need to be a member of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® to purchase an MLS subscription. However, you must be an active REALTOR® with any REALTOR® association. Purchasing MLS access does not make you a member of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.

Can my firm access Chicago’s MLS if we are based in another state?

Yes. The Chicago Association of REALTORS® offers MLS access to out-of-state REALTORS® through MRED. Your firm must establish an MLS office account before any individual agents can subscribe.

Does my office need to be established before my agents can join?

Yes. The participant office must be set up first. No agent can subscribe to Chicago’s MLS under your firm until your office account has been established and approved.

Do I have to/Can I establish an MLS office for PLN access only?

Yes. If your primary need is PLN access, you may/must establish an office and subscribe at the PLN-Only tier. Full MLS Access is also available if your needs expand.

I want to join Chicago’s MLS and remain a member of my local MLS. Can I do that?

Yes. Under NAR’s MLS of Choice policy, brokers are not limited to a single MLS. Joining Chicago’s MLS does not affect your existing MLS access or your agents’ subscriptions there.

Keep in mind that if your local MLS has adopted NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy, your obligations to that MLS remain in place. Joining Chicago’s MLS may not satisfy or replace those local submission requirements. See the Understanding CCP and Your Local MLS Obligations section below for more detail.

Will MRED accept listings from outside of Illinois?

Yes. MRED now accepts listings from licensed agents nationwide as part of its national expansion.

Can my administrative staff get MLS access to help manage our office?

Yes. We offer an Office Secretary user type for administrative staff who need to perform MLS functions on behalf of the office as a whole. Office Secretary accounts carry permissions similar to those of the participant and are available at no additional cost. This is a good option for office managers or administrative staff who support the day-to-day MLS operations of your firm.

What data feeds are available through MRED for Full Access subscribers?

MRED provides four types of data feeds outside of the MLS platform itself, each serving a different purpose. Whether a specific listing flows through any of these feeds is a listing-level choice made by the listing agent and seller — not automatic.

• Internet Data Exchange (IDX): The standard public-facing feed used for consumer search on brokerage websites and national portals. Available for active public listings only. Display rules are set by the MLS.
• Virtual Office Website (VOW): Consumer search behind a registration wall, accessible to anyone who has registered and established a broker-client relationship. Available for both active standard listings and PLN private listings at the individual listing level.
• Broker Back Office (BBO): The most comprehensive feed available to participants. Includes all listing data — including private listings — and is used for behind-the-scenes tools like accounting software, agent production reporting and CRM systems. Participants can work with vendors of their choosing or grant access to subscribers in their company to work with their vendors of choice.
• Broker Only: All listing data specific to your brokerage, including private listings. Used however your brokerage chooses. Visible only to your firm and any vendors you designate.

Understanding CCP and Your Local MLS Obligations

Is Clear Cooperation Policy a national rule or a local one?

CCP is enforced locally. NAR requires its affiliated MLSs to adopt the policy, but each local MLS administers and enforces it independently. Your obligations under CCP are determined by the rules of whichever MLS or MLSs your brokerage participates in.

Does NAR’s Multiple Listing Options for Sellers policy change my local submission deadlines?

No. NAR has been explicit on this point: the Multiple Listing Options for Sellers policy, which introduced delayed marketing exempt listings in March 2025, does not change any MLS’s local mandatory submission deadlines. CCP’s requirement to file a listing with your local MLS within one business day of public marketing remains in effect.

What if MRED is our only MLS?

If your brokerage joins MRED as your sole MLS, none of the CCP complexity below applies to you. CCP is only enforceable by an MLS you belong to. If MRED is your only MLS, the only rules governing your listing submissions are MRED’s. Under NAR’s MLS of Choice policy, brokers are only required to belong to at least one MLS — not every MLS in their local market. Some brokerages may choose to make MRED their primary or only MLS.

If I maintain membership in another NAR-affiliated MLS, does joining Chicago’s MLS satisfy my CCP obligations there?

No. Your local MLS obligations remain in place independently. Joining Chicago’s MLS does not replace or satisfy those local submission requirements.

Does entering a listing in MRED’s PLN trigger my local MLS’s CCP submission deadline?

Not on its own. CCP is triggered by public marketing — a yard sign, social media post, brokerage website or any publicly accessible advertisement. If a listing is entered into MRED’s PLN without any public marketing, your local MLS’s CCP clock may not be triggered. Once you publicly market a listing in any form, your local submission deadline applies regardless of where else the listing has been entered. Every market is different and local MLS rules vary. We strongly recommend consulting with your local MLS or your own legal counsel regarding your specific listing submission obligations before using the PLN as part of your marketing strategy.

For Out-of State Agents Joining An Existing Office

My broker says our office is set up. What do I do next?

Once your principal broker has established your firm’s MLS office with us, you can complete a subscriber agreement to join as an individual agent. Make sure your affiliated office is already established before submitting your agreement.

Preview the Subscriber Agreement (will be sent via DocuSign to the individual agent after their application is processed and must be signed before receiving access).

I’m a REALTOR® in another state. Am I eligible?

Yes, as long as you hold active REALTOR® membership with any REALTOR® association and your affiliated office has an established participant account with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.

Does joining Chicago’s MLS require me to input all my listings here?

Not necessarily. Under NAR’s MLS of Choice policy, you choose which MLS you submit each listing to, consistent with your seller’s authorization and any applicable Clear Cooperation Policy obligations in your market.

I have questions about Clear Cooperation Policy and how joining Chicago’s MLS affects my listing obligations. Where do I find that information?

If your brokerage remains affiliated with a local NAR-affiliated MLS in your home market, CCP rules are set by that local MLS and compliance responsibility sits with your participating broker — not the individual agent. Direct those questions to your principal broker. Additional FAQs covering CCP, local MLS obligations and how MRED’s PLN interacts with those requirements are available in the Open an MLS Office section above.

My brokerage has indicated it will cover the cost of my MLS Only subscription. How does that work?

That’s a conversation to have with your principal broker. The Chicago Association of REALTORS® offers flexible billing options; we can bill the office directly for all users under that account, or each individual agent can be billed separately for their own subscription. How your brokerage handles MLS costs or reimbursements is an independent business decision.

Back to the top