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The Importance of Using an MLS in Today's Real Estate Market (With a Complete List of State Specific MLS!)

Written by Jacob Ferrer | Mar 4, 2023 3:00:00 PM

One tool that has proven to be invaluable in the real estate industry is the Multiple Listing Service or the MLS for short.

We all know that the real estate market can be a daunting place for those not familiar with its inner workings. It requires a lot of knowledge and expertise to navigate successfully. With that being said, people have turned to an MLS in hopes of aiding them for their real estate needs. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of using an MLS in today's real estate market.

Well, what exactly is an MLS?

An MLS is a database of properties that are available for sale or rent, maintained by real estate professionals. This database is accessible only to licensed real estate agents who are members of the MLS. The purpose of the MLS is to provide a centralized platform where real estate professionals can share information about properties with each other, making it easier for them to find buyers for their listings.

You can refer to the complete list of state-specific MLS at the bottom of this blog post!

Using an MLS has several benefits for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market. Here are a few reasons why using an MLS is so important:

More Exposure for Sellers

When a seller lists a property with an MLS-affiliated agent, the listing is automatically distributed to all other MLS-affiliated agents. As a result, a much wider range of potential buyers are exposed to the seller's property than they otherwise would be. More interest in the property may result from this increased exposure, which could speed up the sale.

Accurate and Up-to-Date Information

The fact that the MLS provides accurate and current information about properties is one of its most significant features. This information covers specifics regarding the location, size, cost, and other important characteristics of the property. This guarantees that customers can access the most recent and trustworthy details regarding the properties that are up for grabs. For buyers looking for a new home, inaccurate or outdated information can result in time loss and frustration.

Efficient Searching for Buyers

The MLS makes it much simpler for buyers to find properties that fit their specific requirements. The location, price range, number of bedrooms, and other features are just a few of the criteria that buyers can use to search for properties. Buyers can find properties that better suit their needs and save time and effort by using this targeted search, which makes the process easier.

Professional Assistance and Negotiation

Members of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are real estate agents who have received specialized training to assist buyers and sellers in navigating the challenging real estate market. They can offer both buyers and sellers helpful direction and advice, assisting them in making wise choices all throughout the buying or selling process. Agents can also help with negotiations between buyers and sellers, making sure that the agreement is satisfactory to both parties.

Transparency and Fairness

The real estate market is made more transparent and equitable by using an MLS. The MLS aids in ensuring that all buyers and sellers have access to the same information by offering a central platform where real estate professionals can exchange details about properties. By doing this, the playing field is leveled and no party is given an unfair advantage.

Access to Historical Data

Having access to historical information on previously sold properties is another advantage of using an MLS. Both buyers and sellers can benefit greatly from this knowledge. These details might help buyers decide whether the property they are interested in is priced appropriately in comparison to other houses in the neighborhood. Sellers can use this data to estimate the market value of their property and establish a price that is reasonable compared to those of nearby homes.

Protection for Buyers and Sellers

Both buyers and sellers are protected while using an MLS. Members of the MLS are subject to a code of ethics and professional standards that they are required to uphold. This makes sure that during the buying or selling process, buyers and sellers are handled fairly and ethically. The MLS also offers a procedure for settling disagreements between brokers or between buyers and sellers, which can assist avoid pricey court fights. For all parties involved in a real estate transaction, using an MLS adds an extra layer of safety.

In conclusion, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an essential tool in today's real estate market. It provides a centralized platform where real estate professionals can share information about properties, making it easier for them to find buyers for their listings. Using an MLS has several benefits for both buyers and sellers, including more exposure for sellers, accurate and up-to-date information, efficient searching for buyers, professional assistance and negotiation, and transparency and fairness in the market. If you are buying or selling a property, it is highly recommended that you work with a real estate agent who is a member of the MLS to ensure that you have access to the most current and reliable information about properties that are available for sale.

As promised, here's a complete list of state-specific MLS in table form for easy viewing!

State-Specific MLS

State MLS
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland Bright MLS {TOP 20 MLS}
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota Badlands Board Of REALTORS®
Bismarck-Mandan Board of REALTORS®
Fargo Moorhead Area Association of REALTORS®
Grand Forks Board of REALTORS®
Jamestown Board of REALTORS®
Minot Board of REALTORS®
Williston Board of REALTORS®
Ohio Ashland Board of REALTORS®
Athens County Board of REALTORS®
Columbus and Central Ohio Regional MLS
Dayton MLS
Firelands MLS
Greater Portsmouth Area Board of REALTORS®
Heartland Board of REALTORS®
Knox County Board Of REALTORS®
Lancaster Board Of REALTORS
Mansfield Board of REALTORS®
Marion Board of REALTORS®
MLS of Greater Cincinnati (CincyMLS)
Northwest Ohio Regional Info Systems (NORIS) (may be joining Heartland)
Scioto Valley Association of REALTORS®
Tri State MLS (TSMLS)
West Central Association of REALTORS®
Western Regional Information Systems and Technology (WRIST)
Yes MLS
Oklahoma Cushing Board Of REALTORS®
Duncan Association of REALTORS®
Lawton Board of REALTORS®
MLS Technology, Inc.
Multiple Listing Service of Oklahoma (MLSOK)
North Central Board Of REALTORS®
Northeast Oklahoma Board of REALTORS®
Northwest Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®
Southern Oklahoma Board of REALTORS®
Stillwater Board of REALTORS®
 Oregon  Central Oregon Association of REALTORS®
Clatsop Association of REALTORS®
Klamath County Association of REALTORS®
Lincoln County Board of REALTORS®
Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS)
Southern Oregon MLS (SOMLS)
Willamette Valley MLS
 Pennsylvania  Allegheny Highland Association of REALTORS®
Allegheny Valley Board of REALTORS®
Bradford Sullivan Association of REALTORS®
Cambria Somerset Association of REALTORS®
Central Susquehanna Valley Board of REALTORS®
Centre County Association of REALTORS®
Clearfield Jefferson Association of REALTORS®
Elk Cameron Board of REALTORS®
Fayette Board of REALTORS®
Greater Erie Board of REALTORS®
Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®
Greater Scranton Board of REALTORS®
Huntingdon County Board of REALTORS®
Luzerne County Association of REALTORS®
Mckean County Association of REALTORS®
North Central Penn Board of REALTORS®
Pike/Wayne Association of REALTORS®
Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS®
Realtors Association Of York Adams Counties
Warren County Board Of Realtors
West Branch Valley Association of REALTORS®
West Penn Multi-List
Rhode Island  StateWide MLS
South Carolina  Aiken MLS
Charleston Trident MLS (CTMLS)
Cherokee County Board of REALTORS®
Coastal Carolina Association of REALTORS®
Consolidated MLS
Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS®
Greenwood Association of REALTORS®
Hilton Head Island MLS (HHIMLS)
Lowcountry Regional Multiple Listing Service Inc.
Pee Dee REALTOR® Association
Piedmont Regional Association of REALTORS®
Palmetto MLS
Spartanburg Association of REALTORS®
Sumter Board of REALTORS®
Western Upstate Association of REALTORS®
South Dakota Aberdeen Board of REALTORS®
Black Hills MLS (BHMLS)
Central South Dakota Board of REALTORS®
East Central South Dakota Board of REALTORS®
Huron Board of REALTORS®
Lewis and Clark Board of REALTORS®
Mitchell Board of REALTORS®
Northeast South Dakota Association of REALTORS®
REALTOR® Association Of The Sioux Empire
Tennessee Central West Tennessee Association of REALTORS®
Great Smoky Mountains Association of REALTORS®
Greater Chattanooga Association of REALTORS®
Knoxville Area Association of REALTORS®
Lakeway Area Association of REALTORS®
Memphis Area Association of REALTORS®
RealTracs
Reelfoot Regional Association of REALTORS®
River Counties Association of REALTORS®
Tennessee Valley Association of REALTORS®
Tennessee Virginia Regional MLS (TVRMLS)
Upper Cumberland Association of REALTORS®
Texas Amarillo Association of REALTORS®
Austin Central Texas Realty Information Service (ACTRIS)
Beaumont Board of REALTORS®
Brazoria County Board of REALTORS®
Brownsville-South Padre Island Board of REALTORS®
Bryan-College Station Association of REALTORS®
Coastal Bend Association of REALTORS®
Corpus Christi Association of REALTORS®
Dalhart Board of REALTORS®
Dumas Board of REALTORS®
Eagle Pass Board of REALTORS®
Galveston Association of REALTORS®
Gillespie County Board of REALTORS®
Greater El Paso Association of REALTORS®
Greater McAllen Association of REALTORS®
Greater Tyler Association of REALTORS®
Harlingen Board of REALTORS®
Henderson County Board of REALTORS®
Highland Lakes Association of REALTORS®
Houston Association of REALTORS® (HARMLS) {TOP 20 MLS}
Kerrville Board of REALTORS®
Laredo Association of REALTORS®
Longview Area Association of REALTORS®
Lubbock Association of REALTORS®
Lufkin Association of REALTORS®
Nacogdoches County Board of REALTORS®
North Texas Real Estate Info Systems (NTREIS) {TOP 20 MLS}
Odessa Board of REALTORS®
Pampa Board of REALTORS®
Permian Basin Board of REALTORS®
Plainview Association of REALTORS®
Port Neches, Port Arthur, Nederland Board of REALTORS®
Rockport Area Association of REALTORS®
San Angelo Association of REALTORS®
San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR)
San Patricio County Association of REALTORS®
South Padre Island Board of REALTORS®
Uvalde Board of REALTORS®
Waco MLS (WACOMLS)
Wichita Falls Association of REALTORS®
Utah Iron County Board of REALTORS®
Park City Board of REALTORS®
Wasatch Front Regional MLS (WFRMLS)
Washington County Board of REALTORS®
Virginia Central Virginia Regional MLS (CVRMLS)
Dan River Region Association of REALTORS®
Eastern Shore Association of REALTORS®
Hamptons North Fork REALTORS® Association
Lynchburg Association of REALTORS®
Martinsville, Henry, Patrick Counties Association of REALTORS®
New River Valley Association of REALTORS®
Northern Neck Association of REALTORS®
Real Estate Information Network (REIN)
Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®
Rockbridge Association of REALTORS®
South Central Virginia Association of REALTORS®
Southern Piedmont Land & Lake Association of REALTORS®
Southside Virginia Association of REALTORS®
Southwest Virginia Association of REALTORS®
Virginia MLS CoOp
Washington North Central Washington MLS (NCWMLS)
Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) {TOP 20 MLS}
Pacific Regional MLS (PACMLS)
Spokane Association of REALTORS®
Walla Walla Association of REALTORS®
Yakima Association of REALTORS®
West Virginia Beckley Board of REALTORS®
Central West Virginia Multiple Listing Service
Fayette-Nicholas Board of REALTORS®
Greenbrier Valley Board of REALTORS®
Huntington Board of REALTORS®
Kanawha Valley Board of REALTORS®
Mercer Tazewell County Board of REALTORS®
Mid Ohio Valley MLS (MOVMLS)
North Central West Virginia Real Estate Information Network
Wheeling Board of REALTORS®
Wisconsin Central Wisconsin Board of REALTORS®
Door County MLS
Greater Northwoods MLS
MCBOR MLS Inc
Metro MLS
REALTOR® Association of Northwest Wisconsin
REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin Inc
REALTORS® Association of Northeast Wisconsin
Wyoming Cheyenne Board of REALTORS®
Laramie Board of REALTORS®
Northeast Wyoming REALTOR® Alliance (NEWRA)
Northwest Wyoming Board of REALTORS®
Sheridan County Board of REALTORS®
Teton Board of REALTORS®

( Table retrieved from: https://showcaseidx.com/complete-list-of-multiple-listing-services/ )

As always, thank you guys so much for taking the time to read this blog post - we are ever so grateful for all the support and your choice to make this your daily digest. We are continuing to get new content up for the blogs, so stay tuned as new blogs are coming every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday!

We'd also like to give credit where credit is due and list down the following websites for providing the insights necessary for this blog post - go give their articles a read as well:

Realtyna: https://realtyna.com/blog/what-advantages-using-multiple-listings-service-mls/

Rismedia: https://www.rismedia.com/2018/11/08/advantages-using-mls-system/

Study.com: https://study.com/academy/lesson/multiple-listing-service-mls-definition-purpose-importance.html