The multiple listing service is an Internet-based system in which local real estate agents provide information on properties for sale. It’s an essential means for communication among various real estate agents, providing a large database of information that would otherwise take extensive work and a large time commitment to obtain.

Real estate agents update multiple listings on a regular basis, so that those accessing the list know, without delay, if a property of interest is still available. The overall purpose of the service is convenience for individuals and real estate agents. When using a multiple listing service list, note the following:

1. You can select residential listings in a specific state, city and/or neighborhood.

2. Search criteria can include a specific price range that you’re willing to spend for property.

3. Choose specific amenities on home listings so that you get exactly what you’re looking for in a property.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find multiple listing service homes for sale in a specific area

There are a number of factors that go into choosing the location of a piece of real estate you wish to purchase. If you're looking for a new home for your family, you may want a home in a great school district for you kids. If you're purchasing property as a real estate investor, you may want to find a location close to your current home so that you can make renovations easily. Whatever the factors are that contribute to location in which you choose to buy, multiple listings in can help you find real estate there.

I recommend: Obtain profiles on neighborhoods in various towns and cities all over the nation, such as Boston on ConnectwithLife.com. Scroll to the middle of the page and choose the state, county and city in the Neighborhood Profile search on the left. Click on the profile search results to the right. Select the state in which you’re searching for a home from the multiple listing service directory of U.S. states on MLSOnline.

Narrow the search results on multiple listing services by entering a price range

The amount you spend on a real estate purchase may depend upon how much the bank approves your mortgage for, how much you're willing to spend on a real estate investment or any number of other factors. Regardless of the determinations for what you spend on your purchase, multiple listings frequently offer the option of entering a price range in your real estate search to help narrow your results.

I recommend: Once you select a city and state on MLS.com, you can also enter a price range that you’re willing to spend on the home you’re looking to purchase. Scroll to the bottom of the page for this modified search option. While Zip Realty only has access to listings in 21 states, it’s advanced search for areas like Las Vegas provides the opportunity for you to enter a price range, among other options, as search criteria.

Choose specific amenities from the multiple listing service information

It's important to find exactly what you need, especially when looking to buy a home that your family will live in. Most multiple listing services give you the option to narrow your search results by specifying the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms you desire. Some also provide the option to narrow your search further by searching for special amenities, such as a swimming pool, fireplace or deck.

I recommend: Select the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want on the MLS Listings Quick Search. Use the advanced search method on Realtor.com to specify even more search criteria, such as properties with a basement or hardwood floors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While many residential listings are accessible on a multiple listing service, most don't list those properties that are for sale by owner. To obtain further information on these homes, contact the owner directly or access a website with for sale by owner listings (see Recommended Solution Providers below).