| The term MLS stands for multiple listing service. The | | | | Going through a real estate agent is not the only way |
| MLS is an online database that lists every property for | | | | for a seller to get their home listed on the MLS. There |
| sale within a geographic radius; no matter which realtor | | | | are some companies that will list a home's information |
| has listed it. Realtors search their local MLS to help | | | | on the MLS for a flat fee, for those people who want |
| them find properties their buyers might be interested in. | | | | to sell their house themselves. This saves the home |
| A seller can use the MLS to show off their home to | | | | sellers all of the commission that would normally be |
| potential buyers to the best effect. | | | | paid to a real estate agent to list their house. |
| MLS listings have much more information than regular | | | | For the seller who has decided that choosing to put |
| listings, and they are also the most up to date and | | | | their home on the market themselves, is the best way |
| accurate since they are updated daily. They include | | | | to go, the MLS can help them decide how much to list |
| the basic information on the home such as the age of | | | | their home for. It offers market statistics such as how |
| the home, the square footage of the home, and the | | | | many homes have been sold recently in the area, and |
| number of bedrooms the home offers as well as the | | | | the highest, lowest, and average selling price, as well |
| number of bathrooms; plus, sellers can also list any | | | | as length of time on the market. It also gives the same |
| upgrades that have been put into the house. Another | | | | statistics for homes that are currently for sale. A seller |
| item the MLS lists is what school district the home is | | | | can put in their address to see what else is available in |
| located in, as well as the school the potential buyer's | | | | their area, and at what price, to get an idea of the |
| children would attend. This is important information for | | | | market. The MLS also offers aerial and birds eye |
| anyone who has children of school age. The MLS will | | | | views of the seller's property, which allows buyers to |
| also list what kind of financing sellers are willing to | | | | see the surrounding area as well if they desire. |
| accept and will inform them if FHA or VA will be | | | | The ability for the seller to know the market will allow |
| accepted. The MLS also allows sellers to upload | | | | them to decide at what price they want to sell their |
| multiple pictures of the house, and often includes a | | | | home. It will allow them to decide if they need a quick |
| virtual tour of the home they are selling. Buyers are | | | | sale, or if they need or want top value and are willing |
| much more likely to look at a listing with pictures than | | | | to wait until the right buyer comes along. |
| one that does not include these features. | | | | |