It is important to make sure your home is seen by as many people as possible when marketing it. Multiple listing services (MLS) are a great way to do this. An experienced local agent can use the MLS as one tool to help you attract motivated buyers and ultimately secure a great deal for your home. Continue reading to find out more.
There are many reasons why people sell their home: Sometimes it is because they can’t accommodate their growing family, other times it is because they need to move to another state or city for a better job or lifestyle change.

No matter what reason you may have to sell your house, there is a good chance you share the same goal. To get a great deal quickly and with minimal hassle.

This is precisely why most home sellers prefer to work with local, experienced real estate agents.

The best agents have the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the home-selling process. They also have access to many resources and tools that will help you get motivated buyers.

A Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is one of the most powerful of these resources. We’ll explain everything you need about the MLS, including how it works and how your agent can use it to get the best offer in the shortest time possible.

Private databases called MLSs centralize property and real estate information within a specific area or market. It is a tool that facilitates collaboration between buyers’ agents and listing agents. This allows them to share information and collaborate to improve the execution and facilitation of real estate transactions.

Only licensed realty brokers are allowed to access and list homes in an MLS. Although some MLS data is available to the public via brokerage websites and open platforms like Zillow or Trulia, professionals can only view all data including owner information, addresses, disclosures and price history.
What is an MLS?

Listing agents and brokers will list active properties in their area on one or more MLS. These listings are searched by buyers agents to find properties that match their client’s criteria. This includes size, features, style and budget.

Each MLS operates according to its own rules and procedures. However, most MLS have strict guidelines regarding the quality and breadth data listings that must be included. This makes them a more reliable and useful tool than many public real estate websites.

Although there isn’t an official count, the National Association of Realtors (NAR), in 2011, estimated that there were 883 individual MLSs across the United States. To meet the needs of both residents and realtors, new MLSs are constantly being created in different markets throughout the country.
Multiple Listing Services Accuracy

The most accurate databases for details about a property are the MLS databases. This is because rules are strictly enforced and can even lead to fines for members who fail to follow the content and structure rules.

Some of these rules are:

Timeliness: New listings must be submitted within a specified time. If a member fails to register the complete listing before the deadline, they will be fined. This happens typically between 24 and 48 hours after signing the listing agreement.
Accuracy: From square footage to location and direction, the MLS association strives to ensure that the information is accurate.
Photos: Quality and quantity of photos are sometimes required, but this can vary from one MLS or another.

Multiple Listing Service: Key Benefits

Selling properties can greatly benefit from having access to the MLS through your realtor. You will have more buyers who are qualified than you, which will increase your listing’s visibility.

This saves you time and energy when answering phone calls and preparing for showings.

It’s not easy to show your house. You have to organize everything and make it look great. Then you need to take as much time as possible to ensure that prospective buyers inspect your home with a fine-tooth comb.

After your initial pool is vetted through the MLS, you’re likely to do fewer showings before you get a desired offer. This means that you won’t have to deal with randos looking for homes in the same neighborhood.
Are You able to get on the MLS without a Realtor?

The MLS is not available to homeowners who want to sell their homes “for sale-by-owner” (FSBO). This is because only licensed real estate professionals have access to the database. To list your home on the MLS, you will need to hire an agent.

You can access an MLS without a full-service broker. For example, you could work with a flat-fee MLS provider. However, these options have their drawbacks and must be weighed against potential cost savings.

Cons of Multiple Listing Service

Except for large companies that have received private information, there are few cons. Because it allows many people to access accurate market information, the MLS is extremely efficient. This is great news for everyone because it equalizes the playing field.

It’s not a major problem, but some people find the cost of posting to the MLS to be a drawback. You have to pay an agent to get the home added to the database.
How can the MLS help you sell your home?

Nearly half of all home buyers use the internet to find listings. Listing your property in the MLS will help you reach as many people as possible.

The MLS can be used as part of your selling strategy. However, if you are working with an experienced realtor, the service will be included.

Contact us if you are ready to sell your house for top dollar with the MLS and other marketing methods at a low flat rate.