Data Dictionary FAQs
What is the Data Dictionary?
Introduced by the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO), the Data Dictionary ensures that each system “speaks” the same language. By using consistent terms and data structures as a common standard, Data Dictionary provides a template that data providers may follow to format its most common fields.
For more information regarding the RESO Data Dictionary standard, please visit RESO's website.
Doesn’t Stellar MLS already have a RESO data dictionary compliant data feed?
Yes; currently Stellar MLS offers a Data Dictionary compliant feed that is a translation of the Stellar MLS core (native) database into a RESO Data Dictionary compliant feed. With this upcoming change, the Stellar MLS core (native) database will be updated to meet RESO Data Dictionary standards.
Why are we doing this?
The purpose of this change is to make sharing data and integrating new products/services for our customers as easy as possible while ensuring adherence to the highest standards of data integrity. One benefit of being RESO Data Dictionary compliant is for those who subscribe to multiple MLSs or are developing a product that utilizes RETS/MLS data, meeting the industry standard will allow for faster development times and consistency across multiple data providers. Read more about the update and its benefits.
When will the updates be implemented?
Implementation began in late January 2018, with a parallel period running through March 2018. During this time both versions were available to allow for a smoother transition to the new RETS server.
What does this mean for my RETS Feed?
In addition to your current RETS feed, you now have a Data Dictionary RETS feed available to you. This data feed mirrors your current data feed except the “Standard” field names have been updated to be in compliance with RESO’s Data Dictionary 1.3 standard.
How do I access the Data Dictionary feed?
Your username and password are the same as your normal data feed, however, you will need to use the RETS Login URL. Once you have switched URLs you will need to make sure you are using “Standard” Name (or, in the RETS metadata, “StandardName”) fields in order to view the Data Dictionary 1.3 compliant field names.
Why would I want to use this?
An enormous benefit of Data Dictionary compliance is that if you do business with multiple MLSs or are developing a product that uses RETS or MLS data there is now an industry standard for data fields allowing for faster development times and consistency across multiple data points.
Do I have to use this?
Yes, but not immediately. The National Association of REALTORS® has mandated that all MLSs owned by associations adopt and implement Data Dictionary by January 1, 2016. However, that does not mean that RETS subscribers are required to use Data Dictionary compliant fields.