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What is the “MLS”? (And, how to search like a pro!)

Posted on Thursday, August 9th, 2007 at 11:39 pm.

The "MLS" stands for "Multiple Listing Service". It's the big database that all real estate agents use to list homes. Only agents have full access to the MLS, but we've created three websites which pull the MLS data and show it to you in creative ways:

  For easy, map-based searching:
www.BirdsEyeSearch.com This site integrates the MLS data feed with a Google Map so you can visually see what properties are for sale. We also include a Metro map overlay to make it really easy to see which are near the Metro lines. We have a video with instructions on how to use this site, too.

Pictured above, the "most efficient route" from The Best HomeSearch Ever service helps you view properties in the most efficient order, based on your starting point.		   For a little more advanced & flexible searching:
www.TheBestHomeSearchEver.com This site pulls the entire MLS feed (currently about 100,000 properties) and slices & dices it in innovative ways. It lets you search for foreclosure & REO properties, for example, or listings that have been on the marketmore than a certain number of days. It also lets you look for "bargain" properties like fixer-uppers and much more. You can watch a video on how to use the site.
If you're too lazy to search yourself, Smile have a computer do it for you, once an hour! www.ListingNotice.com allows you to "set it and forget it" - create a search and have the site check the MLS once every hour for new listings that match, and then email them to you.

You can also learn more about how we use technology to help you be more efficient in your home search.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, August 9th, 2007 at 11:39 pm and was filed under All the questions you were afraid to ask, All the questions you were afraid to ask, drodio.com. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

One Response to “What is the “MLS”? (And, how to search like a pro!)”

  1. New Jersey Real Estate James Boyer Morris, Essex & Union County NJ Realtor Says:
    January 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm

    dah, duh, duh, well actually NAR wants us to stop talking about MLS and start using some yet to be determined term that they want to trade mark. dum de dum dum dum.


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