What is the MLS?

**BoiseRealEstateSoup** · 01-31-2010, 09:58 PM

As a real estate professional, I am familiar with the acronyms that get used day to day, but if you're new to real estate, you've probably heard the term "MLS" but don't really know what it is!

Check out this article I put together for reference for buyers trying to make sense of things!

**tanmaysnv** · 02-17-2010, 11:54 AM

Hi
MLS stands for multiple listing service.MLS is a sharing of comprehensive home information among real estate professionals. Listings brokers enter the data about a home for sale and offer to share the commission with a broker who brings a buyer.
Thanks !!!!

**MillerDecaXC** · 02-20-2010, 01:25 PM

can you look at mls pages without getting them sent to you by a realtor?

**Greg** · 02-21-2010, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by MillerDecaXC

can you look at mls pages without getting them sent to you by a realtor?

Most agent websites have all of the properties for sale in the MLS available to look at with no obligation. If they ask you to sign up first, just give them a fake name and email. If you do this on my site, please make sure it is obviously fake so I don't waste my time with follow up. Thanks.

**Nitikasnv** · 02-24-2010, 02:56 AM

Hi,

MLS is a sharing of comprehensive home information among real estate professionals.

It's an online software that contains all the specifics about a home, from the address, age, square footage, number of bedrooms, baths, upgrades and schools districts to types of financing the seller will consider, and more.

Thanks

**First Time Home Buyers** · 02-24-2010, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by MillerDecaXC

can you look at mls pages without getting them sent to you by a realtor?

Being that Agents pay a monthly fee to access the information on the MLS ($34/month here in MN) it seems rude to want to get that information for free.

I know, you want to browse homes online to see what's available, etc. There is a ton of 3rd party sites that you can se most of the homes for sale on in your area, but none are the actual MLS. And an agent has much more information on their "Agent Screen" than you will ever see on a 3rd party website.

Also, consider that agents work this business and industry everyday and have a lot of experience and knowledge to help you.

For example, I'm still "new" and "young" for the business, but I've already sold over 25 homes in less than 2 years. How many people on the street have sold 25 homes in their entire life?!? Not many.

Not saying they'll know every little detail, but they have a lot more information that most people will every have on the process and steps to take when buying or selling real estate. You just have to find a *good* agent, and not a loser one.

**Jennifer USA** · 03-09-2010, 11:57 PM

MLS stands for multiple listing service. Every home for sale listed by a real estate agent, unless it is specifically exempted from MLS, will be listed in MLS. However, only real estate agents and other professional affiliates can access MLS, but that doesn't mean a home buyer or home seller can't get the same information -- just not directly.

Homes For Sale
homesbylender.com

**Lease_Abstract** · 03-10-2010, 09:16 PM

MLS is a tool that listing brokers use to establish compensation to buyer agents who help them to sell their property. The main benefit to the MLS is that it provides extensive property information available to real estate agents, buyers and sellers, without geographic barrier.

**youngkia1** · 03-11-2010, 08:09 AM

MLS stands for multiple listing service. Every home for sale listed by a real estate agent, unless it is specifically exempted from MLS, will be listed in MLS.

**tanmaysnv** · 03-11-2010, 04:31 PM

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service.
Basically, the MLS is a big property warehouse - sort of like a "home depot." When property is available for sale, it goes in the warehouse. When it is sold, it gets taken out of the warehouse.