Cloud CMA does NOT download and maintain the entire MLS database. Instead, it performs real-time RETS queries at the moment users request reports. This provides better security (no full MLS replication) and reduces server load.

Three Query Types

1. MLS Number Search

Simplest query type. Single or multiple MLS numbers at a time.

• Example: Query MLS #12345 and #12346
• Straightforward RETS DMQL syntax
• Very efficient

2. Address Search

Query by street address. Cloud CMA breaks address into components (street number, street name, city, state, zip).

• Example: 123 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA
• Also straightforward DMQL
• Address less accurate than MLS number due to MLS data entry typos

3. Latitude/Longitude Range Search

Most complex query type. Creates rectangular proximity search area around subject property using lat/lon ranges.

• Example: Search all listings within lat range 44.866-44.868 and lon range -92.590--92.588
• More useful for finding comparables but can stress RETS servers

Common RETS Server Issues & Solutions

Issue 1: Latitude/Longitude Not Indexed

Problem: Lat/lon fields on some RETS servers are not indexed, causing slow or failed queries even though they're simple decimal values.

Solution: Request MLS add an indexed field or create a view with indexed lat/lon support.

Issue 2: Double Negative Syntax Breaks Parser

Problem: U.S. longitude is negative. Range queries with negative numbers create this DMQL syntax:

(LONGITUDE=-92.590--92.588),(LATITUDE=44.866-44.868)

The double negative -- can break some RETS parsers.

Solution: Create new field ABSLONGITUDE containing absolute value of longitude:

(ABSLONGITUDE=92.588-92.590),(LATITUDE=44.866-44.868)

Then flag Cloud CMA to query the ABSLONGITUDE field instead. This is typically easy to implement and solves the parser issue.

Efficiency Notes

• Cloud CMA queries only small subsets of MLS daily (10-30 listings per CMA/Buyer Tour, 1 per Property Report)
• Real-time queries are more secure than replication
• Proper indexing on RETS servers is critical for performance