If you’ve looked into putting listings on your real estate website, you’ve probably seen “DDF®” everywhere. Here’s what it is, how it works and how you can use it, without the tech jargon.
What does DDF® stand for?
DDF® stands for Data Distribution Facility. It’s a listing data service run by REALTOR.ca Canada Inc., a subsidiary of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). It lets REALTORS® and brokerages share MLS® listing content with websites across Canada, including their own.
In short: DDF® is how listings get from the MLS® System onto your website automatically.
How CREA DDF® works
- A REALTOR® lists a property on their board’s MLS® System.
- If the brokerage has opted in, the listing becomes available through DDF®.
- A REALTOR® creates a data feed in their member tools and chooses which listings it should include.
- A website or WordPress plugin connects to that feed and displays the listings.
- When the listing changes (price, photos, status), the feed updates and the website follows.
CREA says DDF® listing data is updated an average of 46 times a day, so a well-connected website stays very close to what’s on REALTOR.ca.
The two types of DDF® feeds
National Shared Pool
A feed of listings from participating brokerages across Canada. Quebec and Manitoba boards don’t currently participate. It works both ways: if your brokerage shares its listings, you can display other participating brokerages’ listings too. You can filter it by board, area, postal code, property type, price and more.
Member Website Feed
A feed of just your own listings, or all of your brokerage’s listings. It’s a good fit for a simple “Featured Listings” or “My Listings” section.
How much does DDF® cost?
CREA has stated that DDF® data feeds are free to members. Your costs come from the technology that displays the listings, such as a website platform or a WordPress plugin.
DDF® vs. RETS vs. Web API
These terms describe how the data is delivered, not what the data is:
- RETS is an older standard for moving real estate data between systems. It’s being phased out across the industry.
- Web API (based on RESO standards) is the modern replacement. CREA’s DDF® offers a Web API, and it’s what new integrations should use.
If a plugin or provider only supports RETS for DDF®, ask about their Web API plans.
What can you do with DDF® listings?
DDF® is for advertising listings on REALTOR® websites. Common uses:
- A searchable listings page on your website
- Area pages, such as “Condos for sale in downtown Vancouver”
- A featured listings slider on your home page
- Single listing pages with a contact form so buyers reach you directly
There are rules about how listings, trademarks and data can be displayed. Read CREA’s DDF® policy and rules before you launch, and make sure your tools follow them.
Who is DDF® for?
DDF® can work for almost any REALTOR® in Canada, from a solo agent who wants their own listings on their website to a team that wants a full local search. The main requirement is CREA membership, plus brokerage participation if you want the National Shared Pool.
How to show DDF® listings on a WordPress website
If your site runs on WordPress, you need a plugin that connects to your DDF® feed. Look for one that:
- uses the DDF® Web API,
- imports listings as real pages on your domain (not an iframe), which is better for SEO,
- syncs automatically and removes listings that come off the market,
- works with your theme and SEO plugin.
Realtie does all four. For the full setup, read our step-by-step guide: How to add MLS® listings to your WordPress website in Canada.
FAQ
Is DDF® the same as MLS®?
No. The MLS® System is where REALTORS® list properties. DDF® is the service that distributes that listing content to websites.
Is DDF® the same as IDX?
They’re similar: both let websites display listings for advertising. The difference is mostly who runs them and what listings are included. See DDF® vs. IDX for a full comparison.
Can I use DDF® if I’m in Quebec or Manitoba?
Boards in those provinces don’t currently participate in the National Shared Pool. Check with your board about what’s available to you.
Do I need to be a REALTOR® to use DDF®?
REALTORS® create their own feeds. Technology companies that want direct access sign a data access agreement with REALTOR.ca DDF®.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA. DDF® is a trademark owned by CREA.