What is the MLS?
The  MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is a national listing service of homes available on the market (this list does not necessarily contain all of the homes but it does have most of them).  This service is maintained by various real estate associations across the United States.  Access to the MLS would allow you to see the specifics, conditions, and prices of all of the homes in the area that are for sale.

Why Use The MLS?
The MLS is currently the largest and most accurate source of real estate listings in the United States.  Real estate professionals and, now, prospective buyers can view home listings online and at their leisure (in the past this tool was used exclusively by real estate agents). The MLS is an extremely easy to use online tool to help you find homes - the service can even be set up to notify you via email as soon as new homes that meet your criteria come on the market.  This is especially effective in busy markets where homes are bid up and timing is everything.

How the MLS Aids Sellers
The MLS provides an effective way for people who are selling a home to advertise their home to hundreds of interested real estate professionals and customers. The MLS is a quick and directed way to maximize your home's exposure, thus affecting the success of the sale.

Even if your home is a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), it is still possible to list it on the MLS. This advertisement will probably cost you hundreds of dollars but it will help advertise your home to many people who would otherwise be unaware of it. The benefit of this is that you are still able to attract the attention of hundreds of customers and real estate agents. The down side of listing your site on the MLS as a FSBO is that many real estate professionals are worried about less than full commissions and complicated sales and so they shy away from homes listed as FSBO.

How A Buyer Can Utilize the MLS
The popularity of the internet has helped the MLS grow and thrive with active buyers. The MLS used to only be available real estate professionals but now real estate agents can give their buying customers direct home access to the MLS via the internet. Customers who are looking for a home can enter their customized search criteria, check applicable homes on a daily basis from their own computers, and even be emailed the details of matching homes as soon as they become available. Be sure to ask your real estate professional for access to this effective and helpful service.

The MLS can also be used in combination with other marketing tactics in order to sell your house. In addition to the Multiple Listing Service, you can use yard signs, listing flyers, newspaper ads, and word of mouth to attract potential buyers. Real estate professionals use the Multiple Listing Service, marketing tools (like the ones just listed), and their established network of agent resources and contacts to sell your home in the time and at the price you are hoping for.  While it is possible to both buy and sell a property without a real estate professional, we would highly discourage it. Real Estate agents can  help you to limit your liability and frustration as well as increase the types of homes and customers available to you.