Data Feed – Internet Data Exchange (IDX)
IDX affords MLS Participants (Brokers and Agents) the option of authorizing electronic display of their listings by other MLS Participants via the following authorized medium under the Participant’s control: website, mobile apps and audio devices.
MLS Participants and Subscribers must have their IDX vendors (Developers) request an IDX data feed on their behalf by completing the Spark API submission (Link Below). See next section for MLS Participants and Subscribers Spark API VOW Data Feed request.
Step 1. Developer/Vendor for MLS Participant and Subscriber Click Here for Developer Registration and to register Licensee (MLS Participant or Subscriber).
Step 2. Review and Approval Process Begins. For Firm/Broker IDX – Approval request is sent to Broker. For Agent IDX – Approval is sent to the Agent; Approval must be given by Broker following Agent Approval.
Step 3. Review and Approval Process Submitted to Roanoke MLS Office following Broker Approval. Approval or Denial Notification will be electronically sent to the Licensee (MLS Participant and Subscriber) and Developer
Data Feed – Virtual Office Website (VOW)
An MLS Participant’s website or a feature of a Participant’s website, through which the Participant is capable of providing real estate brokerage services to consumers with whom the Participant has first established a broker-consumer relationship (as defined by state law) where the consumer has the opportunity to search MLS listing information, subject to the Participant’s oversight, supervision and accountability.
MLS Participants and Subscribers must have their VOW vendors (Developers) request a VOW data feed on their behalf by completing the Spark API submission (Link Below).
Step 1. Developer/Vendor for MLS Participant and Subscriber Click Here for Developer Registration and to register Licensee (MLS Participant or Subscriber).
Step 2. Review and Approval Process Begins. For Firm/Broker VOW – Approval request is sent to Broker. For Agent VOW – Approval is sent to Agent; Approval must be given by Broker following Agent Approval.
Step 3. Review and Approval Process Submitted to Roanoke MLS Office following Broker Approval. Approval or Denial Notification will be electronically sent to the Licensee (MLS Participant and Subscriber) and Developer
Data Feed – Brokerage Back Office (BBO)
Brokerage Back Office data may only be used for the following purposes:
- Brokerage management systems that only expose BBO Data to the Broker and Agents licensed with the Broker.
- Customer relationship management (CRM) and transaction management tools that only expose the BBO Data to the Broker, Agents licensed with the Broker, and their bona fide clients as established under state law.
- Agent and brokerage productivity and ranking tools and reports that only expose the BBO Data to the Broker and Agents licensed with the Broker.
- Marketplace statistical analysis and reports in conformance with NAR MLS Policy Statement 7.80, which allows for certain public distribution. Any public representation based in whole or in part on information supplied by the MLS must clearly disclose the source of the information and the period of time over which such claims are based.
MLS Participants must have their BBO vendors (Developers) request a BBO data feed on their behalf by completing the Spark API submission (Link Below).
Step 1. Developer/Vendor for MLS Participant and Subscriber Click Here for Developer Registration and to register Licensee (MLS Participant or Subscriber).
Step 2. Review and Approval Process Begins. Approval request is sent to Broker.
Step 3. Review and Approval Process Submitted to Roanoke MLS Office. Approval or Denial Notification will be electronically sent to the Licensee (MLS Participant and Subscriber) and Developer
Data Feed Questions: Contact MLS of Roanoke Valley at mls_main@rvar.com or (540) 772-0526.
Rev. 10/5/2026