Add to MLS

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an exclusive real estate Internet network that is primarily used by licensed agents and brokers.

In the United States of America, most professional real estate brokers are members of local listing services. There are hundreds of multiple listing services in the United States alone and each has different requirements to be a member and rules to post listings. In general, a listing service only allows licensed real estate brokers who are paid members. This make the listing services exclusive to real estate brokers and allows them to have a limited system of control over their local markets.

It’s important to understand the rules and terms of service for your local multiple listing service. Many have restrictions on what you may publish to the public.

Website Partnerships

Our modern market has reshaped the aspect of the MLS into a syndication network connected with hundreds of active websites. A few examples are realtor.com, zillow.com and wearerealty.com.

Search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing use what’s called a data aggregator to source website data. An aggregator is usually a site that “pulls” data from a secondary source. In the case of the real estate industry, that source is most likely the multiple listing service (MLS) of that area.

These partnerships allow a real estate broker to reach more potential buyers than just a single website. When it comes to online marketing, the key to success is reach. How many people can you get to see your property offer?

The more potential buyers see your property, the greater your chance to find a great buyer who will pay you the highest market value. By using a professional, you allow your listing to spread throughout the Internet on all of the partner websites. This increases the visibility and should turn into showings of the property and written purchase offers.