California Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are powerful marketing tools providing home data to a wide network of Realtors. The California real estate MLS features a sophisticated database sharing information about properties for sale by Realtors throughout California. The California MLS offers timely, effective and efficient distribution of information about residential property listings in California.

Any real estate professional who is a member of the Multiple Listing Service has access to properties listed in the California MLS. By working with one Realtor in the California MLS service, sellers essentially are employing hundreds of Realtors with potential home buyers. More exposure can equate to a faster sale at a higher price.

The Multiple Listing Service in California provides home buyers with more purchase options. Through the MLS California residential listings, a buyer’s agent provides available properties in several geographic areas. A Realtor may use a California MLS search to find the right home for their client.

Before purchasing real estate, use the CA Multiple Listing Service to research the following:

1. Where is the best location to purchase homes in California?

2. What amenities are important in your California MLS search criteria?

3. What is the estimated property price range for your California MLS search?

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

Use California Multiple Listing Services to find residential property listings in CA neighborhoods

A home's location is an important consideration for residential properties. Where the property is located will directly affect the home's value. Use the California MLS to research the local schools, area crime statistics, neighborhood appearance and local economic growth.

I recommend: Learn more about California neighborhoods in San Joaquin and Stanislaus at Central Valley Association of Realtors. Search for MLS listings by city at Mercer County Association of Realtors. Find MLS properties by geographic area or city at Central Coast Regional Multiple Listing Service.

Utilize helpful California MLS search criteria to find properties with your desired amenities

Use the California MLS to narrow down your search criteria by property type, size of property, age of home, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and even specific details like if the home has a fireplace or swimming pool. California MLS listings provide details on homes for sale that meet your search criteria, and often include a photo of the listing. Some Multiple Listings California programs offer advanced features like mapping tools and virtual tours.

I recommend: Search for California homes by features like square footage and age of home at Realtor.com, the Multiple Listing Service for the California Association of Realtors. Find MLS listings for new homes and new home communities throughout California at Home Buyers Guide. Access MLS listing information for CA homes by desired number of bedrooms and bathrooms at MLSListings, Inc.

Access the California multiple listing service to search for a California house in your price range

The California MLS allows home buyers to search for CA real estate listings in their price range, which is a convenient tool that saves valuable time in narrowing a property search. The California MLS service also includes information about recently sold California home listings, which can be used to determine market trends in specific neighborhoods.

I recommend: Search for California MLS listings using the minimum and maximum price tool at Conejo Valley Association of Realtors. Research MLS sales statistics for homes in Monterey County at Monterey County Association of Realtors. Find a property in your price range at California Desert Association of Realtors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because each Multiple Listing Service California is affiliated with a local Realtors' association, the California MLS typically does not list For Sale By Owner (FSBO) California homes. If you are interested in a FSBO residential property listing in California, contact the homeowner directly.