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.