What is an MLS Real Estate Listing?

MLS can stand for either Multiple Listing Service or Multiple Listing System. No matter which definition is used a MLS is basically just a digital database that is comprised of information about homes that are for sale in a specific area. The information that is included in a MLS file includes a description of the property, its location, asking price, contact information for the listing agent, and a photograph or photographs of the property.

Multiple Listing Services were originally designed to help realtors search for properties for their buyers, however, today some Multiple Listing Services are offered to home buyers directly so that they can conduct their own search for properties online. Access to an MLS search engine is governed by private organizations, and not every MLS is offered free to the public. Generally a regional Board of REALTORs or Association of REALTORs will determine collectively how the MLS system will be operated in their territories.

Where to Find MLS Real Estate Listings

There are a couple of different ways that you can find MLS Real Estate Listings. The first place to look for an MLS search engine is on a specific realtor's website. Many realtors will offer their customers two property search options on their website. The first option is to use a property search engine that is limited to the properties represented by the realtor. The second option is an MLS search engine. This property search engine will allow potential buyers to search all of the available properties in the local or regional real estate markets. The second place that potential buyers can find MLS Real Estate Listings is via an MLS search web site. These sites are usually sponsored by a region's real estate association instead of a specific real estate agent or agency. Here potential buyers can search for properties by market area, price, size, or property type.

How to Use an MLS Real Estate Listing

After you have found an MLS database to use you will need to learn what restrictions are tied to using it. Most real estate web sites that offer direct MLS searches will require that you set up a user's account and that you fill out some type of form that lists your contact information, what type of property you are looking for, and what time frame you are working with. This information will be sent to the real estate agent or agency that owns the site. The agent will then contact you via email to establish a working relationship with you. This is how many real estate agents generate sales leads and find new clients.
 
After you establish your user's account you will then be taken to the MLS search engine. On this page you will be able to select the criteria for your property search. The first search criteria that you will generally need to select will be the area or areas that you are interested in. Some MLS databases will allow you to select specific neighborhoods, while others will ask you to select from a list of cities. Next you will need to specify the price range that you are interested in. Most MLS search engines will also allow you to select optional search criteria like what type of garage you want, what square footage you are interested in, the number of rooms you need, the number of bathrooms you want, if you are interested in water front properties, etc. After you have selected all of the criteria that you are interested in you simply click on "submit" and the search begins. A listing of properties that match your search criteria will be listed. Look through this list and write down the properties that you are interested in. You can then contact the listing agent or your buyer's agent to set up a viewing appointment.