What is the MLS?

It is the trademarked term for Major League Soccer, however in real estate it is the Multiple Listing Service. It refers to a place where real estate brokers can go and share information about properties that have been sold, or are being sold. 

It is a service that is subscribed to by brokers, it is a place for brokers to list new properties for sale as well as a place they can search for properties to show their clients.

In western Washington we have the NWMLS. When we talk about a MLS number it is a specific number assigned to a particular house for sale. It is a way of easily identifying the house, and follows the property for the whole time it is on the MLS.

If you choose to sell your house FSBO (For Sale By Owner) you do not have the access to post your home directly on the MLS. That is one of the important reasons for working with a licensed broker so that they can get your house on the MLS.

Craigslist and other web searches are good places to look at properties, however working directly with an agent can be more direct and can get you the most current homes available. Also because they can get on the MLS they are often able to get more information for you on specific properties that you are not able to see as a buyer.