MLS, if you work with a Realtor chances are you are going to hear this acronym frequently. It is one of our favorite things to say. However, I have found that a small percentage of the public understands what exactly the MLS is and how it works. Even those who do understand the basics of MLS don’t fully know what it can do for you.
MLS & What It Can Do For You
So, here is the skinny on the forever elusive MLS. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database that is used by Realtors and Brokers. You must be licensed and you must pay your dues to have access to this system.
Every Realtor, regardless of brokerage association, uses the same database. This allows us to have access to every home that is listed through a brokerage. I have gotten the question a few times asking if I as a REMAX agent can see what a Coldwell Banker agent has listed, or even if every property that I show is my own listing (I Wish!!). Just think of it like Facebook, all realtors are members of the website so we can see what everyone posts.
The MLS is also a live website, which means it is constantly updating and refreshing its information. The minute a Realtor posts a new listing, changes the availability of a property, or updates any information we see it. This is key in our delivering accurate information to you, the very important client. I hear stories all the time from people who find a home they love on a secondary website, and want to look at it but it is already off the market.
MLS system has incredible searching capabilities. There are literally hundreds of search categories in our database. Think of what you can do in a search for Zillow or Trulia and just multiply it. Just to give you an idea we can do Residential, Commercial, Income, Rental, and Vacant Land searches. Within those categories we can search by zip code, county, city, subdivision, contract status, special sales provisions, property style, acreage, and so much more.
One of the most beneficial aspects of the system is its Auto-Search Capabilities. This is how the whole thing works. A client comes in or calls the agent, then the agent has a discussion about their real estate needs and wants. From that point the agent enters the corresponding criteria into the system. The MLS will then filter through all of the listings in the system to find property that matches the entered criteria.
At this point the agent can perform the magic that is the Auto-Search. We can send you an email that has all of the up-to-date listings that match your criteria. Then, we can save the search and the system will automatically send you an email with any new listings or updates that match your criteria. Basically, you will have the MLS working for you 24/7.
Being of this technology culture I feel I have to address this one point: We will not spam you. I know how fast the Inbox can fill up with junk. We can set your email preferences so that you only receive updates when you want to.
Yet another beneficial feature of the MLS system is the portal that you as a client gain access to. This portal will be where all your updates are, and it also gives you access to search the MLS yourself. You can easily communicate with your Realtor through notes and liking properties.
This isn’t even scratching the surface of what the MLS system can do, and how it can benefit you. I could go on about how it allows us to compare properties to figure out the right price to offer, or how it can help you find your next rental property, even how it can benefit you in finding an investment property. Also, through our MLS subscription we have access to even more technology and websites. I don’t want to overload you with everything, but I do want to make sure you know the benefits of using the MLS.
If you ever want to know more about the MLS, real estate, or even want to be set up in one of the magical searches please do not hesitate to contact us! As always we are here just a click or phone call to 813-300-7116 away.
Provided to you by Tabby Russell Rivera, Buyers Agent for Nick & Cindy Davis RE/MAX Premier Group.