The Multiple Listing Service

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a list of properties up for sale in a given area. It is usually the first thing an agent looks at when looking for homes. Most brokers are members of a local MLS.

MLS members are bound to an agreement that requires them to share sales commissions with other agents. That means if your broker adds your property to the list, it can be accessed by all other member agents. Once a sale is made, the agent responsible takes part of your broker’s commission.

A lot if the existing MLS systems have restricted membership – only state-licensed real estate brokers and agents, local REALTOR Board members and trade association members are allowed access.

What does this mean for the seller?

The main advantage is that your home can be viewed by all agents in the area, which greatly increases your chances of selling. And since there is an incentive, all these agents will be competing to sell your house.

That is why the first step for any agent, including myself, is to add your home to the MLS. Agents usually search the MLS according to their clients’ criteria, so I’ll be sure to include all the details of your property, including the size, special features, and number of baths and bedrooms. Photos also attract more agents, so I’ll be sure to include them as well.

What does this mean for the buyer?

The MLS helps buyers by letting them narrow down their choices. They are able to indicate their desired area, property age, size, location, and other such details. The MLS also allows the possible buyers of your home to contact us easier, so we can facilitate immediate communication between your (the seller) and them (the buyer).

The MLS advantage.

With the MLS, we can weed out non-serious buyers and concentrate on selling your home to very interested parties. Because of the MLS, communication is also much faster, and deals are closed much sooner.

The Orlando Area MLS covers homes for sale in the following areas, among others:

    * Altamonte Springs
    * Apopka
    * Casselberry
    * Deland
    * Kissimee / St. Cloud
    * Lake Mary
    * Longwood
    * Maitland
    * Metro West
    * Mt Dora
    * Orlando
    * Oviedo
    * Windermere
    * Winter Garden/ Ocee
    * Winter Springs
    * Winter Park

There is an option to search by price and by location. Members can also search by number of bedrooms and baths, or limit searches using parameters such as pool, water front, lake font, garage, etc.