North Carolina Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are powerful marketing tools providing home data to a wide network of Realtors. The MLS features a database with North Carolina homes for sale throughout the state. The North Carolina MLS offers timely and efficient information about homes for sale.

Any real estate professional who is a member of the NC Multiple Listing Service has access to properties listed in the MLS. By working with one Realtor in the NC 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 North Carolina provides buyers with more purchase options. Through the North Carolina MLS listings, a Realtor provides available properties in several geographic areas. A Realtor may use a North Carolina MLS search to find the right home for their client.

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

1. Where is the best location to purchase North Carolina houses for sale?

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

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

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

Use North Carolina Multiple Listing Services to search for properties in several geographic areas

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 North Carolina MLS to research the local schools, area crime statistics, neighborhood appearance and local economic growth.

I recommend: Search for houses for sale in North Carolina by area or city at the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association. Find homes from NC multiple listing services in Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville and Wilmington at MultipleListing.com. Search for NC MLS listings in the Raleigh area using Google map tools at HomeSearchRaleigh.com.

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

Use the North Carolina 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. North Carolina MLS listings provide details on homes for sale that meet your search criteria, and often include a photo of the listing. Some North Carolina home listings offer advanced features like mapping tools and virtual tours.

I recommend: Use the advanced search option at Realtor.com to find NC MLS listings with specific property, lot and community features. Search for homes in the NC MLS by number of bedrooms and bathrooms at Timothy Cline Realty. Find properties in Western North Carolina with desired exterior finishes at Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency.

Access the Multiple Listing Service of North Carolina to search for a home in your price range

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

I recommend: Get informative North Carolina MLS housing market statistics at North Carolina Association of Realtors. Find NC properties in your price range using the minimum and maximum price tool at HouseHunt, Inc. Search for properties by price range at Reliance Relocation Services, Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because each Multiple Listing Service North Carolina is affiliated with a local Realtors' association, the North Carolina Multiple Listing Service typically does not include For Sale By Owner (FSBO) North Carolina home listings. If you are interested in a FSBO, contact the homeowner directly.