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What is a Real Estate MLS Search?

If you are searching for waterfront homes for sale, your real estate agent may have said they were going to perform a real estate MLS search. That may have left you wondering exactly what a real estate MLS search is.

If your realtor is performing a real estate MLS search, they are doing everything that they can to help you find the perfect property. The MLS system is not a new-fangled way to search for the property, but it is one of the most reliable ways to find property for sale. Unlike online listings available to anyone, it can only be accessed by a real estate professional.

Investors and Home Buyers Use the MLS Through Their Agents

Your agent may have a wealth of real estate knowledge and may be at the top of their field. It’s likely they have gotten where they are by using the MLS. Investors know the value of this system. About 89% of investors will reinvest in real estate — and the MLS will very likely be a part of that transaction.

The MLS is a very important part of the real estate trade. Understanding what it is and how it can be beneficial will help you to make your mark in real estate.

What Does MLS Mean?

The acronym “MLS” stands for Multiple Listing Service. The term dates back as far as 1907. Realtors would meet at conferences, meetings, and conventions and share property information about properties that were being listed for sale. The MLS was formed as a way for realtors to share information with each other.

Today, the MLS is still being used to share information among realtors about properties being sold. For example, the Naples real estate MLS will have listings of properties being sold in Naples, FL. There are some cases that a property owner prefers not to market their home in any way other than through this MLS. The only way you can find some exclusive property listings is to do a real estate MLS search.

How Does a Real Estate MLS Search Work?

Realtors will place real estate listings on the MLS system that is shared with all real estate agents. The listings will include details like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, size of the home and the property, and location.

When an agent does a real estate property search using the MLS, they can narrow down the search by typing in search parameters. For example, if you are searching for a four-bedroom waterfront house in Naples, then those would be the search parameters used to find the ideal home.

Can I Use the MLS to Search for Property?

The MLS is used strictly by real estate professionals and does not include public access options. Connecting with a trusted real estate agent will help you find the real estate for sale that fits your budget and your needs using the MLS.

Interested in learning more about exclusive properties accessible through a real estate MLS search? Contact us today for additional information.

Benefits of Buying Beach and Lakefront Property: Is This the Investment For You?

Your home should be a unique reflection of you, your values, and your personality. If you like to think of yourself as someone who doesn’t quite follow the status quo, a waterfront home for sale may be the quirky type of place you’ve always dreamed of. If this is your first time learning about waterfront homes for sale, continue reading. There’s a lot of misinformation on them, so let’s set the record straight on the various benefits of owning a house on the lake or beach.

Benefit #1: Enjoy water sports

Playing water sports is a great way to stay in shape. They are also a fun and fantastic way to spend more time with your family. Save yourself the long drive to the beach or lake. With a waterfront property, you can dive in right after breakfast — just make sure to wait 30 minutes before doing any serious swimming. You can also play water polo or go sailing. There’s no shortage of activities you can do on the water, especially when it’s right there in front of you!

Benefit #2: Wake up to a breathtaking view

If you’re tired of waking up and seeing a barren street every morning, perhaps it’s time for a change in scenery. Living by the water allows you to become one with nature. Wake up, brew a cup of coffee, and enjoy bird watching, meditating, or yoga while looking at the glistening water.

Being around the water can result in decreased stress. Lowering your stress has been tied to various other health benefits too. You may lower your blood pressure when you learn how to manage stress in your day-to-day life.

Benefit #3: Rent out your property to create more income

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to your current home just yet or are determined to own multiple properties, waterfront property for sale can make for an excellent investment property. This passive form of income will work for you — and not the other way around! Who can resist a home on the water?

If you’re new to investing, a water home is a great place to start. You may feel motivated to diversify your real estate portfolio after this buy too. After all, 89% of people who invest in real estate indicate that the will make another real estate investment in the future.

Benefit #4: Be a great host without trying

If you love hosting, good news! Owning a home by the water ensures your parties are always memorable. Host graduation parties, Christmas dinners, and family get-togethers with ease. You won’t even have to decorate your space. The water will provide the perfect backdrop for dancing and photo-taking!

Benefit #5: Your professional realtor can answer any questions you may have

Living on the water is an entirely different experience, so you’re bound to have a plethora of questions. If you’re nervous about making this transition, you can always discuss the logistics with your realtor so you can be sure you’re making the best decision for you and your family.

Many real estate agents even specialize in ocean or lakeside property, so they can be your ally during the buying process.

Final Words on Waterfront Homes for Sale

Waterfront homes for sale are unique, interesting, and give you the best views. However, they are not for everyone. If any of these benefits registered with you, consider taking the dive and changing up your space for the better with a waterfront home.

8 Tips for Choosing the Right Real Estate Agency

Buying a new house is an exciting experience. There is a thrill of going through different homes for sale, and relief that comes with finding the perfect property for your family. 70-80% of homeowners use a real estate agent to close the deal. With over 89,095 registered brokerage firms by 2019, you are spoiled for choice.

Finding the best realtor is crucial to finding the right real estate properties. Check out these eight tips to guide you through your search.

1. Find an Agent That Understands Your Needs

Chemistry with your realtor is everything during the house-hunting. It would help if you found a real estate agent who will put your needs first—a realtor who not only works for you but also with you. Be transparent about what you are looking for. If the relationship doesn’t feel right, feel free to move to the next candidate.

2. Extensive Local Market Knowledge

While experience shouldn’t be the only determining factor, it plays a crucial role in finding the best agency. Working with a hyperlocal agency may ease the process of tracking the available homes for sale. The individual is more aware of the pricing that works around your preferred neighborhood.

3. Existing credentials

It would be best to work with a licensed realtor. Over and above their state licenses, some agencies hold extra credentials from various organizations. Choose a realtor with a capital R, which means they are a member of the National Association of Realtors. A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) undergoes training to handle residential property deals.

4. Proper Channels of Communication

It would help if you found an agency that you can comfortably communicate with. A professional realtor will pay close attention as you speak and implement it. Clear lines of communication enable you to stay informed about the progress of your deal.

5. Check the Company’s Culture

It would be best to work with an agent that you trust. Analyzing the brokerage firm’s core values may help you understand if you are compatible. You need a realtor that is passionate, trustworthy, honest, and self-driven. See if the agent’s character matches what you are looking for.

6. Support

Real estate property search can be an overwhelming process, especially when you don’t know where to start. Find an agent affiliated to a fully-fledged brokerage firm with a team ready to help. The logistics of buying homes for sale can be complicated, and the support staff may help smoothen the experience.

7. Reputation

It’s always necessary to find an agent with a proven track record. The biggest compliment to an agency is a referral from a past client. Ask your friends and family to recommend realtors they have worked with in the past. Dig deeper into real estate online review sites to find comments and reviews on your preferred agency.

8. Choose the One

After a thorough search through your options, it may be time to select your agent. Conduct face to face interviews to gauge their core values. The digital space has enough information at your disposal to guide you to the best realtor. On the minimum, book appointments with three agencies before making your selection.

The real estate property search for homes for sale can be an overwhelming process if mishandled. Finding the right agency may help ease your journey to becoming a homeowner. Above everything else, trust your gut feeling.