The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Guide: Why Does a Real Estate Agent use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?
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Why Does a Real Estate Agent use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?

Takeaways

  • Real estate agents who don’t use the MLS system are limited to their agency’s listings.
  • MLS opens the real estate pool to all available properties in the area.
  • This system helps small agencies compete with larger real estate companies.

Did you know?

  • Only 13 percent of homes are sold without the MLS.
MLS helps smaller agencies compete. For real estate brokers and their agents, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a cooperative and collaborative sales tool.

Without the MLS, an agent is limited to his or her agency real estate listings. With MLS, an agent has can offer their clients access to all available real estate listed for sale by all member real estate agencies in the area.

The MLS consolidates information on all available property and provides what an agent needs to streamline real estate searches for clients, such as available times for showing, special compensation offers, and security and safety advisories.

MLS access also makes it possible for the small two-person real estate office to compete with a 100-agent office and helps new real estate agents compete with seasoned veterans of the industry. According to NAR, only 13 percent of homes are sold without the MLS. Well-informed real estate agents use the MLS as a marketing and sales tool to provide better customer service and work effectively and profitably.

Learn More about the MLS or Use it to Find a Home

To learn more, explore the advice on the MLS in this section of our site. You can view local MLS listings by visiting the websites of local GMAC Offices.