What's a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)?
A Multiple Listing Service is a private database that allows real estate brokers to share information about listings on the market. In a given market, most properties for sale will be listed in the MLS. There are multiple MLS systems in the US, and sometimes several in a single county or area. Access is typically limited to real estate brokers, who list properties on behalf of their customers. However, broker-operated websites such as Redfin now make it possible for buyers to view MLS listings online.
What are MLS rules? Why do the MLS systems have rules?
When real estate brokers join an MLS, they agree to be bound by the terms of the MLS. Some MLS restrictions are rules of business ethics (to serve the customer), some rules maintain the quality of information (e.g. rules requiring the data to be accurate and up-to-date within 72 hours) and some MLS rules restrict the flow of information, so certain MLS data can only be shared with other brokers in the MLS.
Each MLS has its own set of rules. When Redfin joins two MLS systems that cover the same area, we usually have to follow the most restrictive terms of the two MLSes.
At Redfin, we strive to be transparent and expose as much information as possible to our users, but we must comply with MLS rules regarding the display of that information.
Why does Redfin require me to register/verify my email address before displaying all of the listing information for some homes?
Some listing agents require us not to display certain listing information to the public, but allow us to display the data on a Virtual Office Website (VOW). In order to access Redfin's VOW, a user must first establish a valid consumer relationship by agreeing to our Terms of Use through registration and providing a valid email address. This does not obligate the user to use a Redfin agent and Redfin will never share private user information.
Why do you limit how many homes can be shown on the map at one time?
In most areas, MLS rules limit the number of listings that can be returned for any given search to 500. In the Sacramento area, the Metrolist MLS limits display to 200 results at a time. These limits also apply to the number of homes that can be downloaded to a spreadsheet.
Is every short sale excluded when I select "Exclude short sales" when I search?
Unfortunately, there may be some short sale listings which still appear in your search results. This is because the listing agent has not disclosed the short sale status of the house or has only disclosed that information in the "agent only" remarks, which we are not allowed to share with our users.
Why can't I see the address for some properties?
Sometimes the listing agent or the seller chooses not to display the address of a listing online for safety or privacy concerns.
Bay Area: Why can't I view for-sale-by-owner listings and MLS listings at the same time?
The East Bay Regional Data MLS prohibits us from displaying MLS listings alongside listings from other sources, including bank-listed and for-sale-by-owner homes.
Seattle Area: Why can't I see past MLS Listings in the Property History for FSBO, bank-listed, and off-market properties?
The Northwest Multiple Listing Service prohibits us from intermingling MLS listing data with data from other sources.
Long Island: Why do I need to sign in and verify my email address to see New York home addresses?
The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island allows listings agents to conceal the full address from the general public; the rules only allow us to show these addresses to registered users with a valid email address. Not all Long Island homes have this restriction, so we display as much information as we can at all times.