Which MLS Search Site Do Realtors Use?
- Originally, real estate agents created MLS associations and charged membership dues to realtors. In exchange for this fee, the realtor's listings were submitted weekly and published in a book received by all MLS association members. Once computers and modems were developed, the agents were able to dial directly into the MLS computer. This made the printed MLS book obsolete.
- Beginning in 1996, during the advent of the information superhighway, information from the MLS began being posted on the Internet. While there is no central database with all MLS listings nationwide, through networking and online database creation the MLS online has become quite expansive. Currently, various MLS associations from around the nation have compiled the largest database of real estate properties in the U.S. on one website.
- The Realtor.com site is the official website for the National Association of Realtors. This site boasts that it is the "most expansive source for real estate listings." At the time of this article's publication, the site had over 100 million property listings, including lots, rentals and homes for purchase.
- The MLS is very easy to use. The top of the Realtor.com homepage contains a search field that allows the visitors to search for properties based on location, home type, price range, as well as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. You can also select the "Advanced Search" feature to launch a more definitive search with additional filter options, for a more accurate search.
