Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

MLS is...

MLS is online database which shares comprehensive home information, such as address, age, square footage, number of bedrooms, baths and other information, among real estate professionals, and it stands for Multiple Listing Service. Now, MLS became accessible not only to professionals but also to you.

Origin of MLS

According to the National Association of REALTORS: "In the late 1800s, real estate brokers regularly gathered at the offices of their local associations to share information about properties they were trying to sell. They agreed to compensate other brokers who helped sell those properties, and the first MLS was born, based on a fundamental principal that's unique to organized real estate: Help me sell my inventory and I'll help you sell yours."

Purpose and benefits of MLS

The primary purpose of MLS is to share comprehensive home information between the broker who listed the house and other brokers who participate in MLS.
MLS database systems contain hundreds of fields of information about the features of a property. These fields are determined by real estate professionals who are knowledgeable and qualified in the local marketplace.

Place your house/apartment in the MLS database

Only a licensed real estate broker who participates in MLS and pays the MLS dues and fees is able to list a property. If you want to place your house in MLS database, contact me.

Limitation to access the MLS

Almost all MLS systems restrict membership and access to real estate brokers and their agents who are properly licensed by the state or province. Also, access to MLS is given to members of a local board or association of realtors and to members of the trade association. However, in our days, access becomes more open as internet sites offer the public the ability to view portions of MLS listings, so you can try it right now on SearchHouseNY.com.