8 APIs for Real Estate Websites

Applications and websites have hundreds of features, and if a developer wants to write code for every single one of them, it will take years for an app to be ready. And let's not even talk about all the debugging and troubleshooting. Mostly, developers use libraries in which multiple codes are already up for grabs. Most of these codes may need revising and some may be impractical. That's why most developers use APIs to take care of their coding.

Now, let's see what an API actually is and how it benefits your real estate website:

What Is an API?

An API, or Application Programming Interface, is basically a restaurant menu for developers. They can choose from a list of features on this menu without worrying about the coding behind it. This means saving a lot of coding time, especially for monotonous and small works—and it doesn't end there.

You can use it from a software/service provider and embed their services into your website or application. If I need to show the map on my website, I don't need to write so many codes for it. I simply use the API from a map service provider such as API.

Some APIs are free of charge but even if they come with a price tag, it is often nothing compared to the time and cost of coding. In addition, you won't have to worry about updating codes for everything on a website or application. Remember the restaurant menu? The chef will take care of everything.

Examples of APIs for Real Estate Websites

Real estate IDX websites are no exception to this development phenomenon. There are so many features you need to run on your IDX website, such as neighborhoods, maps, listings and so on.

Here is a list of popular APIs for your real estate IDX website:

Google Maps API

To access Google maps and its features on your application or websites, you can acquire the Google Map API and implement it on your website.

Realtors Property Resource API

A property database for Realtors across the nation. It offers full property information such as listings and comparisons, and the results are offered in XML.

Yelp API

Yelp has been used by businesses around the world to provide reviews and marketing intel. One of the main applications of Yelp in real estate is neighborhood information. Agents, buyers and even sellers can use this valuable source for their property research.

MLS

Just like any other API, this one also moderates the flow of information—in this case, listings. Listings data gets updated as fast as possible. Realtyna's MLS API, for instance, is flexible. It gives you the chance to choose to save locally or on the fly.

DATA.GOV

This is actually not an API. It is, rather, a huge resource of them and similar tools offered by the government of the United States. In addition to them, this portal offers publicly available governmental datasets that can be used for a real estate website.

Visit the official website and use the search option to find what you need.

Walk Score API

This is an interesting API for real estate websites and software developers. They can enjoy the following features:

• Display the Walk Score or Transit Score of a location
• Enable search by Walk Score on your site
• Show public transit on a map
• Visualize travel time on a map
• Provide neighborhood insight
• Use for websites, mobile sites, and mobile applications

RESO

In 2017, the Real Estate Standards Organization introduced the RESO API as the successor to RETS. RESO API comes with a few advantages over RETS and major MLSs across the country are switching to it. Visit the official website for more information.

WPL

Those who use Realtyna's WPL for their website can use WPL API to interact with their platform. They can use this API or write codes for applications based on their WPL websites.

WPL API is based on RESTful technology and is HTTP-based.

Using WPL Plugin, you can query your WPL website through following calls:

• Add and remove favorites
• Load favorites
• Save search
• Reset password via SMS
• Show listing details

And more. Please read the documentation for clarifications.

Final Thoughts

APIs have come a long way. Despite their time-saving benefits for real estate web and application developers, APIs have their own share of technical issues.

Once you know your needs and set out to choose an API for it, make sure you do your homework. Check for reviews and purchase APIs from reputable vendors.

To view the original article, visit the Realtyna blog.