Do I need MLS to list, buy and sell properties?

[Joseph Chillemi]

I'm a licensed MA RE Sales Agent.

I received my RE Agent license in February and worked for a RE brokerage in Cambridge - leasing rental properties. We used open leads from YGL and posted ads to Craigslist, Zillow, RedFin, etc. For Free. Didn't need to use MLS, at all.

Why are brokers requiring sales agents to subscribe to MLS when all property information is public information? Why is it necessary to subscribe to MLS or belong to NLS in order to list, buy and sell properties as a licensed Real Estate Agent working for a RE Broker in MA?

[Wayne Brooks]

Well, if you’re not a member of the mls, where are you going to “list” your properties......on the front window of your office?  Why would Anyone list a property with an agent if it were Not going in the mls, where 90% of the buyers, and their agents, are looking?  

If you’re an agent wanting to list, buy and sell you simply need to be part of the mls.....nothing else makes any sense.