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Understanding MLS Feed & IDX Data in Sierra

A practical guide to how MLS data flows into Sierra’s IDX-powered websites and CRM.

Your Sierra website and CRM rely on listing data sent directly from your MLS. Understanding how this data is shared, what controls it, and where limitations exist helps you set clear expectations for your team and your clients. MLS data powers your property search, map search, listing pages, and lead capture — so it’s important to know how it works behind the scenes.

Table of Contents

  1. What You Can Expect

  2. How MLS Data Works With Sierra

  3. Supported MLS Feed Types

  4. Sold Listings

  5. Where Sierra Adds Value

  6. Best Practices

  7. FAQs

What You Can Expect

The data on your Sierra site may differ from what you see in the MLS system, because IDX feeds include only a subset of MLS fields.

  • Sierra receives listing information from your MLS through an IDX feed.
  • Your site displays this data exactly as the MLS provides it.
  • Not all MLS platforms share the same fields, so details and filters may vary by market.
  • Sierra cannot manually edit or supplement listing data outside of what your MLS sends.
  • Key residential listing fields (beds, baths, price, status, property type) are always included.

How MLS Data Works With Sierra

Each MLS controls what information is shared with IDX vendors. Because of that:

  • The fields you see in your MLS dashboard will not always match what appears on your Sierra site.
  • MLSs may include market-specific fields, such as pools or subdivision names.
  • Sierra cannot change labels, categories, or naming conventions provided by the MLS (e.g., if a subdivision is labeled as a “city,” it will appear that way on your site).
  • If a listing agent opts out of IDX syndication, that property cannot display on your site.

Sierra ensures the data remains compliant while providing fast, accurate search tools for your site visitors.

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Supported MLS Feed Types

Sierra supports:

  • Residential IDX feeds across the U.S. and Canada.

Sierra does not support:

  • Commercial IDX feeds
  • VOW (Virtual Office Website) feeds

These feeds operate under different MLS rules and are not compatible with Sierra’s platform.

Sold Listings

Sold listing availability depends entirely on your MLS:

  • Some MLSs include sold data in their IDX feed.
  • Others limit which sold listings can appear or prevent them from displaying entirely.
  • In certain regions, such as Canada, sold data cannot be displayed publicly due to regulations.

When sold data is provided, Sierra may limit how long sold listings remain visible to keep sites performant and consistent across all markets.

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Where Sierra Adds Value

While Sierra cannot adjust the underlying MLS data, the platform is built to make that data more powerful:

  • IntelliSearch helps interpret natural-language search terms and match them to the right listings.
  • Optimized listing displays and map search keep your site fast and user-friendly.
  • Lead capture and routing tools ensure visitors are turned into opportunities in your CRM.

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Best Practices

  • If a field appears to be missing, contact Sierra Support — we’ll confirm whether your MLS provides it.
  • Use Sierra’s built-in tools like IntelliSearch and advanced filters to help buyers find properties quickly.
  • Keep your team informed about how MLS feeds work so expectations stay aligned across sales, marketing, and operations.
  • When discussing listing visibility with clients, emphasize that your site displays exactly what the MLS provides through the IDX feed.

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FAQs

  • Why are certain details missing from my listings?
    Because your MLS did not include those fields in the IDX feed. Sierra cannot add custom fields outside of what your MLS provides.
  • Why does a listing look different on my MLS dashboard?
    The MLS often includes additional internal-only fields that are not shared through IDX feeds.
  • Can Sierra add new fields if my MLS updates them?
    Yes, if your MLS introduces a new field (such as EV chargers), Support can confirm whether it’s available and request it be added to your site.
  • Why don’t all listings show up?
     If a listing agent disables IDX syndication or if your MLS excludes certain listing types, they will not appear on your Sierra site.

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