Benefits of MLS access vs Zillow, Trulia, ect?

[Jesse Smith]

Can somebody please help me understand the tangible benefits of gaining access to the MLS? I just completed my real estate licensing exams for Missouri, and I will be applying for a license, and placing it with a broker. I understand that I'll have to pay a fee through the broker, if I want to access the MLS.

My question is - What is the actual benefit of MLS access, when most - if not all - of the information is publicly available on sites like Zillow and Trulia? With available technology today, the MLS doesn't seem to have nearly the weight that it used to... but the access fees remain high.

• On the buyer/investor side - Do agents get "early access" to property listings?  Somehow better information?
• On the listing side - Does a MLS listing really get that much more exposure than one on Zillow, Trulia, etc?

Thanks!

EDIT - Yep, I see the typo in the title.  :-/