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Multiple Listing ServiceMultiple Listing Service (MLS), is a database which allows real estate brokers representing sellers under a listing contract to widely share information about properties with real estate brokers who may represent potential buyers or wish to cooperate with a seller's broker in finding a buyer for the property. The MLS combines the listings of all available properties that are represented by brokers who are both members of that MLS system and of NAR (National Association of Realtors).
The purpose of the MLS is to enable the efficient distribution of information so that, when a real estate agent is introduced to a potential home buyer, he/she may search the MLS system and retrieve information about all homes for sale in a given area or price range, whether under a listing contract by that agent's brokerage or by all participating brokers.
MLS systems are governed by private entities, and the rules are set by those entities. MLS systems set their own rules for membership, access, and sharing of information, however, they are subject to nationwide rules laid down by NAR. Our MLS is owned and operated by our regional Board of REALTORS or Association of REALTORS. Membership in the MLS is considered to be essential to the practice of real estate brokerage.
MLS systems restrict membership and access to real estate brokers (and their agents) who are appropriately licensed by the state; who are members of a local Board or Association of REALTORS; and who are members in good standing of the trade association, National Association of REALTORS®.
Due to rules, regulations, and REALTORS® Code of Ethics, a person selling his/her own home - acting as a For sale by owner (FSBO) - cannot put a listing for the home directly into the MLS. Similarly, a properly licensed broker who chooses to neither join the trade association nor operate a business within the associations's rules, cannot join the MLS.
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