The Complete Guide to CREA DDF® Integration
Everything you need to know about accessing national MLS data and integrating CREA DDF into your real estate workflow.
Everything you need to know about accessing national MLS data and integrating CREA DDF® into your real estate workflow.
What is CREA DDF®?
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) Data Distribution Facility (DDF®) is a centralized system that aggregates MLS® listing data from real estate boards across Canada. It provides authorized users with standardized access to property listings, including detailed information, photos, and status updates.
Why CREA DDF® Matters for Your Business
Access to CREA DDF® transforms how you work with property data:
How DDF® Integration Works
Modern platforms connect directly to the CREA DDF® feed, pulling listing data in real-time. (Realtor Desk does not have native DDF® sync yet; it is on the roadmap.) Where a platform offers it, this means:
- Automatic Sync: New listings appear in your system within minutes of being posted to MLS®
- Status Updates: Price changes, status changes, and sold information update automatically
- Photo Management: All listing photos sync automatically with proper attribution
- Compliance Built-In: All data display follows CREA rules and local board requirements
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a platform with DDF® integration, ensure it includes:
1. Search and Filter Capabilities
Advanced search across all Canadian listings with filters for location, price, property type, features, and more.
2. Client Matching
Automatically match new listings to client preferences and send instant notifications when perfect properties become available.
3. Market Analytics
Generate comprehensive market reports using live MLS® data, including pricing trends, days on market, and neighborhood statistics.
4. IDX Website Integration
Display MLS® listings on your website with full CREA compliance and proper attribution.
Provincial Coverage
CREA DDF® provides coverage across all major Canadian markets:
- Ontario (TRREB, Ottawa, London, and more)
- British Columbia (REBGV, VREB, Fraser Valley)
- Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton)
- Quebec (Greater Montreal, Quebec City)
- And all other provinces and territories
Compliance and Data Usage
Using DDF® data comes with important responsibilities:
- Display rules must be followed exactly as specified by CREA
- Listing attribution must be shown clearly
- Data cannot be scraped or redistributed
- Local board rules must be respected
- VOW (Virtual Office Website) compliance is required for client portals
What Realtor Desk does today
Native CREA DDF® sync is on the Realtor Desk roadmap and is not live. Today you can import a single listing from a Realtor.ca address or an MLS® number and attach it to a client record. For how DDF® access works and who qualifies, check with CREA and your local board.
See the listing importer
Import a listing from a Realtor.ca address or an MLS® number and keep it beside the client it belongs to.