What’s an MLS and How Do Real Estate Agents Use It?

What’s an MLS and How Do Real Estate Agents Use It?

If you’ve ever watched shows on a home improvement network, you’ve probably heard real estate agents make references to something called an MLS. But what exactly is it, and how do agents use it? Here’s what you need to know.

The acronym MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. It’s an online system that real estate agents use to market homes for sale, search for homes for sale for clients who are looking to buy a residence, and to connect with other agents in order to negotiate the sale of a property.

An MLS allows agents to distribute their home listing information to local and national websites in order to reach the largest possible swath of buyers and fetch the most ideal offers for their clients.

In addition, an MLS provides housing market data that includes key information like “comps,” or comparable homes, that have recently sold within a surrounding area–which agents use to help sellers determine the best listing price for their properties. Comps include stats like the listing price, location, size and features of homes. Agents also use comps to help buyers determine what they should offer for a property.

MLSs are specific to individual housing markets and the compilations of home listings they contain are provided by real estate brokerages in those markets. Since MLSs are housing-market specific, there are many throughout the country and each one operates under its own regulations to ensure it contains information that’s correct and thorough.

Real estate professionals consider an MLS to be their most trusted resource.

Along with using an MLS, agents implement a variety of other methods to raise awareness of the homes they represent, including launching extensive social media campaigns, exploring existing relationships with networks of other agents, and hosting brokers opens, open houses, and private showings.

REALTORS® Alexandra Janz and Juergen Haeringer Are Your Premier Real Estate Brokers

At Alexandra Janz AJ International Group Naples, the team of Alexandra Janz & Juergen Haeringer, Broker Associates & Luxury Properties Specialists with William Raveis-Florida, LLC, help clients realize their dreams of purchasing a luxury home and basking in the glow of the Naples and Southwest Florida luxury lifestyle. Alexandra is not only an expert in the real estate market in Naples and Southwest Florida, but in international markets as well.

Find out how much your home is worth now!

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Naples?

Selling your home is a big deal, so you need to work with a REALTOR® who can get it right. We know how to market your home to all the right buyers, regardless of its price point. We’ll help you sell your home quickly and at the best possible price!

If you’re looking for a home for sale in Naples, we’re here to help. We specialize in luxury real estate and can show you any listing. In the meantime, please feel free to explore what’s available now: .

You can also browse all Naples homes for sale.

FREE Home Valuation

Fill out the form below and we will send you a FREE NO OBLIGATION CMA on your home that includes your homes' true value in todays market, recent nearby sold comparisons, pending properties and more valuable market data.

Name(Required)

First Last

Phone Number(Required)

Email(Required)

Property Address(Required)