The Virginia 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 amongst 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 Virginia residential 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 Virginia multiple listing service is convenience for individuals and real estate agents. When considering the use of Virginia multiple listing services, note the following:

1. You can select a specific area to search for residential property listings in Virginia.

2. The criteria in your search for homes in Virginia can include a specific price range.

3. Choose specific amenities so that you get exactly what you’re looking for in Virginia real estate.

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

Locate residential property listings in VA by 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 Virginia can help you find real estate there.

I recommend: Obtain profiles on neighborhoods in Virginia towns and cities, such as Roanoke, on ConnectWithLife.com. Scroll to the middle of the page and choose the county and city in the Neighborhood Profile search on the left. In the pull down menu on HomesDatabase.com, select an area to search for VA real estate listings.

Narrow the Virginia multiple listing service search results 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, Virginia multiple listings frequently offer the option of entering a price range in your real estate search to help narrow your results.

I recommend: The Northern Virginia MLS Listings, provided by Keller Williams Realty, offers price range as one of the search criteria. Price range is also among the search criteria available on VirginiaMLSRealty.com.

Choose specific amenities on Virginia home listings

It's important to find exactly what you need, especially when looking to buy a home that your family will live in. Most Virginia 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 Virginia Beach MLS. From there you can also link to Williamsburg MLS listings. 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 homes are accessible on the Virginia MLS, it doesn't list those properties that are for sale by owner. To get further information on for sale by owner listings, contact the owner directly or access the Virginia FSBO website (see Recommended Solution Providers below).