The MLS, or Multiple Listing Service, is an extensive database of homes for sale, land/lots for sale and rental homes listed by Realtors®. It is made up of Broker members who agree to share their listings with one another in the hopes of procuring ready, willing and able tenants for their properties more quickly than they could on their own. There are actually several hundred MLS databases throughout the United States, but there is usually only one per local area.
Many of the MLS's now share paraphrased versions of listings with public internet sites such as Realtor.com or Yahoo Real Estate. This leads many people to believe they are viewing the actual MLS when searching for homes on public internet sites. However, only licensed agents who belong to the MLS system have access to actual full-version MLS listings.
The MLS is the most powerful tool when renting or selling your home. The exposure that you receive with an MLS listing is way beyond what any newspaper advertisement can give you. Hundreds of real estate websites as well as your MLS listing gives you the best way to reach great, well qualified tenants who are serious about renting your home.
