Jan. 31, 2006

MLS

MLS stands for major league soccer and in real estate "multiple listing service." When I see things in the news about MLS I am disappointed when it is major league soccer.  Not that I don't like soccer, I just assume it is real estate related when I read the words "MLS".   I have info on Columbus Sports on my website including a link to the Columbus Crew if you are more interested in soccer than Columbus real estate. Or here's Major League Soccer! 

MLS is also Metropolitan Library System... Google if you need the link!

In real estate mulitple listing service is the private system that members belong to where our listings are pooled.  I can show a local Coldwell Banker listing, they can show my listing. I can show a local Re/Max listing, a local Keller Williams listing, etc.  Other REALTORS® as members of the MLS can show my listings.  We cooperate with one another to sell Columbus and Central Ohio real estate.

Below are my opinions about MLS... mine, mine all mine.

Q. Is Realtor.com an MLS? 

A. No. Realtor.com is advertising derived from a large number of multiple listing services across the country. 

Q. Is HERRealtors.com a MLS? 

A. No. HERRealtors.com is advertisements of homes derived from the Columbus Board of REALTORS® MLS system.  It is the best display of advertising locally in my opinion but I am certainly biased.

Q. When you look at listings online (at HERRealtors, Realtor.com or any Central Ohio area REALTORS® website) are you looking at the MLS? 

A.  No you are looking at advertising that is derived from the multiple listing service.  We advertise one anothers listings through broker reciprocity, IDX (more initials... wait until we throw in VOW and ? VOX? )    

Q. When you look at a list of homes that are being offered by unrepresented sellers (for sale by owner) are you looking at an MLS? 

A.  No.  You are looking at a database of properties being offered by the owners. 
 
Q.  Is Craigslist an MLS? 

A.  No. It is a database.

Different parts of the country the MLS is handled differently.  When in Rome you do as the Romans... when in Columbus we do it the way we do it.  "Real estate is local."

In Seattle the MLS is separate from the board of  REALTORS®  On a Seattle Real Estate Blog, Rain City Guide Ardell Della Logia wrote: Most mls systems are owned by NAR and State Boards of Realtors. " 

 I believe CBR owns our MLS.  I don't believe the Ohio Assocation of REALTORS® nor NAR, National Assoication of REALTORS® owns our MLS. Nor does OAR or NAR own CBR.  Ardell has sold real estate in more states and markets than anyone I know... but I believe her generalization is not true of this market.  Correct me if I am wrong.

According to the Columbus Board of REALTORS® "The Columbus and Central Ohio Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (MLS) is a computerized network of more than 700 cooperating real estate offices. Within this service, thousands of professional real estate brokers and sales associates share listing and sale information and work together to serve the buying and selling public.

The MLS a subsidiary of the Columbus Board of REALTORS® (CBR).

In order to participate in the MLS, licensed brokers and their sales associates must first belong to CBR. This ensures for both buyers and sellers, as well as the other participants in the MLS, that the agencies they cooperate with will apply the same standards and agree to adhere to the same rules of conduct and professionalism." 

Our MLS has been around since1955. 

To me the BEST system for viewing the advertising of homes on the MLS is HERRealtors.com which is the same as the search set up on my websites. 

ColumbusOHHomes4Sale.com and MaureenMcCabe.com 

There are links to both on my profile... on my links
 

I think the little tabs on websites should really say "Search for advertising of  MLS homes" rather than Search MLS because it is confusing to the public... but there is only so much room for text on a little website button.  

An online glossary on REALTOR® Magazine's website defines Multile Listing Service and MLS:  "Multiple listing service (MLS): A service that compiles available properties for sale by member brokers.  "

Real Living's Online Glossary : Multiple Listing Service (MLS)  A system that provides to its members detailed information about properties for sale.

The Columbus Board of REALTORS® does not sell homes. The CBR members sell homes.  How does the public access the MLS? 

By contacting a member of CBR and the MLS and working with that professional. 

The information provided herein is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. Columbus Best Blog does not guarantee or is any way responsible for its accuracy, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Entries on Columbus Best Blog represent the opinions and ideas of the author(s). They do not necessarly reflect the views of HER Real Living. Copyright © 2006 Maureen McCabe & Columbus Best Blog All Rights Reserved