What is MLS?

 When looking for San Antonio homes most REALTORS® will turn to the San Antonio MLS (Multiple Listing Service) system. What is MLS? It is a organization of real estate listings giving REALTORS® access to real estate offered for sale locally, or nationwide. The purpose of a MLS search is to help REALTORS® browse for a specific type of home for their buyers. MLS enables a more efficient marketplace between real estate agents by distributing their real estate listings to everyone with access to a computer.
 
 When MLS was first introduced in the late 1800s agents used to gather in offices to share information on their properties, and thus the first MLS was born. It was at this time that real estate agents also agreed that if one of them helped sell their properties, than the other agent would help in the same way: "Help me and I'll help you". REALTORS® agreed to compensate one another as the properties were being sold. Both sellers and buyers benefitted from the service because everyone had an equal amount of exposure to the properties. Today, MLS databases publish "Unilateral Offer of Compensation" meaning real estate agents are able to share a commission when buyers purchase a home. In the beginning, the only information available at the time had been printed in books, newspapers and magazines, but fortunately today, it is all online, and searchable by many.
 
 Both local and private MLS databases are monitored by REALTORS® or by associations and groups of associations of REALTORS®. This service can be privately owned and operated, or can be owned by other Boards of REALTORS®. Other ownerships of MLS are allowed but most every MLS must follow regulations made by The National Association of REALTORS®.
 
 REALTORS® are able to search these databases using MLS as a giant stockroom. Houses as they are introduced for sale and are sold are in essence coming and going through the stockroom. Without being able to use this feature, buyers and sellers would have to find their own means in advertising and would take more time in developing other systems to create more exposure.
 
 When searching through the MLS search, you are able to view almost every characteristic of a home, address, age, size, school districts, and more. The reason that more in-depth MLS systems are private is because the industry cannot risk endangering privacy or safety to the sellers.
 
 A MLS search is a very efficient and economical way of obtaining information in the housing market for both buyers and sellers. You could be searching for weeks trying to find the perfect home, but the perfect one may not be listed in the magazine that you picked up, or in your REALTORS® area. A buyer could miss the opportunity to view a home for sale because of the same reasons. Buyers and sellers are now able to work with professional real estate agents and are able to access the largest directory of properties for sale. Be picky about what requirements you choose to search for to not miss out on these opportunities. Your REALTOR® will be able to search for whatever is needed in order to have your criteria waiting and ready when you are.
 
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