how does one gain access to MLS without being an agent?

[Jordan Hawkins]

Can anybody help me? I recently moved to Virginia Beach in the midst of taking my GA real estate License. My question is should I stop, even though my only reason for getting my license was for MLS access. Also is MLS access a nationwide thing or only within that state?

[Patti Robertson]

@Jordan Hawkins - Even just within our market we have 3 MLSs. The primary MLS is REIN - which covers the entire market and has offices in VB, Ches & the peninsula. We also have a peninsula and Williamsburg MLSs. Most properties are listed in REIN, but some agents choose only to be members of the peninsula or Williamsburg. If you really want access to all, you can join all 3. You have to be licensed in VA to do so though, which means paying state licensing fees, brokerage fees, and mls fees. I agree with @Russell Brazil that most of the info can be accessed from 3rd party sites. If you plan to do more than one flip per year, it may make financial sense to have your license to save one side of commissions.