| What is the MLS?
MLS stands for “Multiple Listing Service,” which is a computerized database of virtually all the homes that are for sale in a specific area.
When a Realtor "lists" a property for sale, they pay a fee to list that home in the MLS system. The big advantage to sellers is that the MLS is the No. 1 resource used by buyers (through their agents) to locate homes. Realtors use the MLS systems on a daily basis usually as their only source of real estate availability and past sale data. Properties that are not listed (usually those being sold by their owners) are not in the MLS, thus there are many buyers and agents who will not be exposed to those homes.
The MLS is instrumental to the sale of real estate. No serious broker would think of trying to sell real estate without it. It is like a business listing in the yellow pages. They have a far better chance of being found when a potential customer is looking for their product if they are listed in the yellow pages. A business trying to succeed with only a sign in front and an occasional newspaper ad will not produce the same results. About the only residential brokers who might not use the MLS are those who exclusively handle foreclosed properties or high-end homes owned by celebrities and the like.
The MLS provides a surprising amount of detail, and includes the address; size of the lot; number of bedrooms and bathrooms; extra rooms such as a den, family room, formal dining room, or enclosed patio; amenities such as a fireplace, hot tub, pool, kitchen features, new carpet and drapes; capacity of garage; age of home; all room sizes; real estate taxes; and, of course, the asking price and terms. In addition to the homes currently available, it also contains sales history as well. A home that sold in 1996 is easily found in the MLS. The listing will include the same technical information as the available homes plus the sale date, sale price, and days on market information too.
Buyers can narrow their house-hunting searches dramatically by using the MLS. For instance, their agent can do a computer search and ask for a listing of all homes within a certain location and price range that have three or more bedrooms. Not only will this request generate a condensed list of viable possibilities, it also helps buyers gauge, roughly, what they can expect to get for their money, and to compare the values of the homes listed.
Thus, the MLS is more than a system that lists properties. It’s an aid to both buyers and sellers, and is a definite asset to consumers when it comes to real estate.
MLSonline.com wants to bring the Live MLS-IDX search to buyers and sellers all over the country featuring the Top Producing Agents from all over the Country. A tremendous added exposure opportunity arose when MLSonline.com was created. Buyers and sellers could now view the same information now available literally of hundreds of thousands of Realtors... A problem for sellers arises when they hire a Realtor that does not use both MLS and IDX. Seller's home's should be in both systems to receive maximum market exposure. When you hire a Realtor from MLSonline - you'll be assured that your home will appear in both systems.
The Internet: There are plenty of choices where you can search and view homes on line. However, the information you'll find is just a fraction of what you'll find right here...at MLSonline.
The Internet has forever changed the way people buy and sell real estate. MLSonline is committed to giving you better quality information and an easier way for you to buy or sell your next home. We look forward to serving you.
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August 22 at the 
Living in a Dream
JazzTalk
