{"id":74486,"date":"2025-07-31T10:19:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T17:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=74486"},"modified":"2025-07-31T10:18:42","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T17:18:42","slug":"what-is-mls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-mls\/","title":{"rendered":"What is MLS? Multiple Listing Service Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>The MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, is a database real estate professionals use to share and find homes for sale.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/first-time-home-buyer-guide\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time homebuyers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and even seasoned homeowners might have heard of MLS, they may not be familiar with the role it plays throughout the home buying and selling process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re searching for a home in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/9417\/NE\/Omaha\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Omaha, NE<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/13136\/NJ\/Newark\/filter\/include=forsale+mlsfsbo+construction\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newark, NJ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the MLS is your agent\u2019s go-to resource to find your next home. Understanding how the MLS factors into the process can help you get the most out of your purchase or sale. These essentials will give you a deeper understanding of how the homebuying and selling process works. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"930\" height=\"630\" class=\"wp-image-74490\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/WhiteHouse-930x630.jpg\" alt=\"white house with palm trees and black trim\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/WhiteHouse-930x630.jpg 930w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/WhiteHouse-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/WhiteHouse-1024x694.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/WhiteHouse-768x520.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/WhiteHouse-221x150.jpg 221w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/WhiteHouse-443x300.jpg 443w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/WhiteHouse.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 930px) 100vw, 930px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll be answering:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-mls\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the MLS?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-does-the-multiple-listing-service-work\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does the MLS work?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-what-information-does-an-mls-include-for-a-typical-listing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What information is included for a listing?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-can-i-look-for-homes-on-the-mls\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can I access the MLS in my area?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-many-mlss-are-there-and-who-updates-them\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How many MLSs are there?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-are-all-homes-that-are-for-sale-listed-on-the-mls\">Are all homes for sale listed on the MLS?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-benefits-of-multiple-listing-services\">Benefits of Multiple Listing Services<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-the-mls\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the MLS?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/definition\/multiple-listing-service\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple Listing Service (MLS)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a database of homes for sale, produced and maintained by real estate professionals to help their clients buy or sell property. Homes for sale on the MLS are called listings. The MLS listings typically include key property information, such as exterior and interior details, asking price, taxes, and additional costs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-a-brief-history-of-the-mls\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A brief history of the MLS<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MLS was first created in the United States in the late 1800s. Members of the Board of Realtors in a given area would meet and share information about what properties were for sale. During these meetings, realtors exchanged listing details and carried out the purchase of properties on behalf of buyers they represented.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-how-agents-use-the-mls-today\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How agents use the MLS today<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, agents pay dues to access and list properties on their local MLS, which is why some choose to join multiple databases for a wider reach. A local MLS provides publicly available information about listings to interested buyers with detailed information on each property for sale, including features, square footage, and listing price, while keeping certain details private for security reasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, sellers\u2019 contact information and showing times are kept private for privacy and security. To access those details, buyers need to work with a licensed <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-public-access-to-mls-data\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public access to MLS data<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it may seem like a single nationwide database, the MLS is actually a network of about 580 regional databases, each with its own listings and membership requirements. These vary in size, covering local municipalities like the Chicago MLS Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) to multi-county systems in rural areas like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/15614\/ME\/Portland\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Portland, ME<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Buyers can also access MLS information on websites like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redfin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where they can browse available properties before selecting an agent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-does-the-multiple-listing-service-work\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does the multiple listing service work?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The multiple listing service works to make the process of buying and selling property easier. Home sellers can&#8217;t post directly to the MLS since it&#8217;s limited to licensed agents and brokers with memberships. Instead, agents gather property details\u2014like square footage, bedrooms, photos\u2014and post the listing on behalf of their clients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each MLS works a little differently, but here\u2019s how it works in most cases:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>Listing a home<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: When a homeowner decides to sell, they will get in touch with a broker or agent, who has exclusive access to post listings on the MLS.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Creating the listing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The agent will gather the necessary details about the property to complete the listing and will likely arrange for professional photography\u2014all with the goal of making the home and listing as attractive as possible for buyers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Sharing the listing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Once the listing is live, it can be shared with potential buyers. Buyer\u2019s agents will assist in getting the listing information out to their clients, so long as the property fits their client\u2019s needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Scheduling showings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Interested buyers will indicate which properties they want to tour, and their real estate agent can then schedule a showing. <\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b style=\"font-style: inherit;\">Making an offer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If the buyer likes the home, they can enter the negotiation process.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-what-information-does-an-mls-include-for-a-typical-listing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What information does an MLS include for a typical listing?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MLS provides details to help buyers understand the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/what-is-my-home-worth\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">current value of the home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, its carrying costs, and its potential value. In other words, information that aids in real estate investing. Here are the essential details you should look out for:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-115\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-115\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Listing Details<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Structural<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Interior<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Features<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Photographs &amp; videos<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lot dimensions and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-calculate-the-square-footage-of-your-home\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">square footage<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Number of bedrooms &amp; bathrooms<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-are-the-most-popular-home-styles\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">House style<\/a> (such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tudor-style-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Tudor house styles<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/victorian-house-styles\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Victorian house styles<\/a>)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Asking price, taxes, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/definition\/homeowners-association-dues\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">homeowners association (HOA) dues<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Exterior details (siding, roofing)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Detailed room-by-room descriptions, including flooring<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">County &amp; township, plus subdivision information if applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Days on market and original listing price<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Year built (or lead paint notification)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Heating &amp; cooling<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">School district information (elementary, middle, and high school<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Seller\u2019s disclosures, if any<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u201cGreen\u201d features (solar, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-leed-certification\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">LEED certification<\/a>)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Utility information (well vs. city water)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-115 from cache -->\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-condo-listing-details-to-look-for\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Condo listing details to look for<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When viewing condo listings, look for the following details:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>HOA management type: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand who manages the property and how it operates.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Pet policy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Check for restrictions on pet types.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Storage availability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Look for designated storage areas or extra space outside the unit.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Parking details:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Confirm parking availability and whether the spot is deeded to the unit<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Unit exposure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Note the unit\u2019s exposure to natural light (north, south, east, or west)<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Tax advantages:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Listings should disclose any tax reductions the previous owner received (i.e. reduced property taxes for senior citizens). If not, contact your accountant or financial advisor to understand the property\u2019s tax implications.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"944\" height=\"630\" class=\"wp-image-74488\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bedroom-944x630.jpg\" alt=\"Neutral colored bedroom with blue dresser\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bedroom-944x630.jpg 944w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bedroom-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bedroom-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bedroom-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bedroom-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bedroom-449x300.jpg 449w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bedroom.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 944px) 100vw, 944px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-can-i-look-for-homes-on-the-mls\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can I look for homes on the MLS?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-through-a-real-estate-agent-or-broker\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through a real estate agent or broker<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To look for homes on the MLS, you\u2019ll need help from your real estate agent or broker. MLS access is limited to real estate professionals who pay an annual membership fee. When you work with an agent or broker, they will give you access to a portion of the MLS that matches your search criteria. Typically, this is done through email, a special log-in, or both.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-on-your-own-with-a-real-estate-license\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On your own with a real estate license<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a real estate license and pay a small fee, you may be able to access the MLS on your own\u2014though MLS policies vary by region. Some MLS databases are made accessible to anyone with a license, while others require that you are also active in the real estate market. In other words, you are actively assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate transactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-on-the-redfin-website\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the Redfin website<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luckily, you can get up-to-date home listings on <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/redfin.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">redfin.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As a brokerage website, Redfin pulls listings directly from the MLS, ensuring fast updates after a listing broker initially lists the property or makes updates.*<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-many-mlss-are-there-and-who-updates-them\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How many MLSs are there and who updates them?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) sets standards for and certifies multiple listing services. According to RESO, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reso.org\/certification\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">there are 525 certified MLSs operating in the United States<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can look up an MLS\u2019s certification report on the RESO website.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The MLS of a specific area is managed by a group of real estate professionals, agents, and brokers. For example, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/4147\/CO\/Colorado-Springs\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colorado Springs, CO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> multiple listing service is run by Pikes Peak REALTOR\u00ae Services. Some of the time, the group managing an MLS has some connection with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/definition\/national-associationofrealtors\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Association of Realtors (NAR<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), but not always.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-who-updates-mls-listings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who updates MLS listings?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/listing-agent-vs-sellers-agent\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">listing agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is responsible for updating individual property listings. MLS platforms refresh at different rates based on how it integrates its data. If the listing agent has made any updates, the MLS will reflect those changes, showing the new information.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-are-all-homes-that-are-for-sale-listed-on-the-mls\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are all homes that are for sale listed on the MLS?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The short answer is no. There are three instances where a home may be for sale but is unlisted:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-homes-for-sale-by-owner-fsbo\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Homes for sale by owner (FSBO)<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/definition\/for-sale-by-owner\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FSBO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> properties are not allowed on many MLSs. This happens when the MLS only accepts listings from licensed agents and brokers. In some areas, FSBO sellers can list their property for a flat fee. At Redfin, we source the FSBO listings from Fizber.com and FSBO.com.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-pocket-listings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pocket listings<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-a-pocket-listing\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pocket listings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are homes for sale where the selling agent only shows the home to a select group of buyers. These listings are considered \u201coff-market\u201d and are not available to the public. While this offers privacy to the seller, it limits the property\u2019s exposure to potential buyers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To address this, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) introduced the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/about-nar\/policies\/mls-clear-cooperation-policy\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for all NAR-owned MLSs. The policy requires that any listing publicly marketed (via signs, websites, or ads) must be submitted to the MLS within one business day for broader buyer exposure, though some exceptions exist. In some markets, as many as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2021\/09\/29\/realestate\/private-home-sales.html\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">twenty percent of properties for sale are pocket listings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While NAR officially banned this practice in 2019, the ban wasn\u2019t enforced and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/news\/pocket-listings\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pocket listings have been on the rise ever since<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The reason these listings can be problematic is that it prevents certain buyers from participating in the real estate market, leading to unfair housing practices.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-newly-constructed-homes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newly constructed homes<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes builders opt out of working with a real estate agent to sell their development. You\u2019ll see this happen more often when the market is hot and builders don\u2019t necessarily need to bring buyers in.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" class=\"wp-image-74489\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/SharingWhatIsMLS-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"agent explaining to clients after they asked &quot;what is mls?&quot;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/SharingWhatIsMLS-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/SharingWhatIsMLS-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/SharingWhatIsMLS-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/SharingWhatIsMLS-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/SharingWhatIsMLS-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/SharingWhatIsMLS-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/SharingWhatIsMLS.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-benefits-of-multiple-listing-services\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of Multiple Listing Services<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the MLS is created for and maintained by real estate professionals, it benefits many aspects of the real estate market and the people with stakes in the market. The MLS brings transparency to the real estate system \u2013 everyone can see what\u2019s selling at what price\u2014which is crucial to creating and maintaining a fair <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/us-housing-market\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">housing market<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-how-it-benefits-agents\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How it benefits agents<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An MLS is a great <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/agent-resources\/real-estate-agent-resources\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent resource<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offering many business benefits. It allows agents to easily share listings with buyers, often through a portal to view matched properties. When the buyer finds something they like, they can easily communicate their interest to the agent and schedule a tour.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agents can also promote homes they\u2019re representing to thousands of potential buyers. They can easily tweak the listing details to make the property more attractive or update the listing if anything significant changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-how-it-benefits-sellers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How it benefits sellers<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home sellers also benefit from the MLS. The service makes it easy to share their listing with potential buyers; exposure they wouldn\u2019t typically get if selling on their own. In addition, during the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/definition\/comparative-market-analysis\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">comparative market analysis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the seller can see what similar properties, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-find-real-estate-comps-in-my-area\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">comps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in the area are selling for and what features they offer. This is how the initial asking price is determined.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sellers can also use this information strategically. By looking at what similar homes are selling for and what features they have, sellers can get a better idea of how their property compares and spot areas where they could improve. For instance, if comps show that homes with updated kitchens or bathrooms are fetching higher prices, a seller might decide to make those upgrades to make their home more appealing to buyers. Often a few small projects can result in less time on the market and a higher sales price.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-how-it-benefits-buyers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How it benefits buyers<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through the help of an agent, a buyer can also benefit from the MLS. As they\u2019re in the process of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/why-buy\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying a home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a buyer will have more options to choose from that meet their criteria and the MLS will provide more detailed information about the listing such as size, features, style, neighborhood, and more. This makes sorting through the potential hits much easier for the agent, which in turn saves the buyer time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">* <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/about\/data-quality-on-redfin\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most new listings in MLS feeds received by Redfin will post within 5 minutes.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is MLS? The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database of real estate listings. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about the online resource. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":816,"featured_media":74490,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276,10756],"tags":[34618],"coauthors":[36415],"class_list":["post-74486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","category-featured-post","tag-buying-definition"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v28.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is MLS? 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