Most people have heard of Multiple Listing Service, most commonly referred to as "MLS", but really don't know much about it.

It's really pretty simple, all member brokers of MLS have the right to sell any home that is listed with MLS by the main agent (the "listing agent"). The listing agent and selling agent share any commission on that sale. When you list your home with Point Realty, we give you the choice of listing as MLS or not. There is no additional cost to the seller.

When a house is listed as an MLS "for sale" home, it is added to various online databases that are available to both prospective buyers and MLS agents. Prospective buyers, anywhere in the world, can read about the property on such websites as Realtor.com. and others. They can even get online maps to the house and its area. This vastly increases the chance of a "for sale" house being seen by a prospective buyer.

A second, but very important, advantage for the seller is that, instead of having only one broker working for you, you can have thousands working for you. Let's say an agent in Manhattan is talking to a client, and the client mentions that they'd like a summer beach house that's convenient to the city. That agent could access the various MLS databases and find out about a home in Point Lookout, Lido, or Long Beach. The agent would then call us, set an appointment, and show the house. This can really help sell a house.

The more people that are aware of a "for sale" home, the better it is for both sellers and buyers. The seller increases the chance of selling their home, and buyers have a better chance of finding the perfect residence.

The one requirement that is required by MLS is that you sign a contract with the listing broker, giving them the exclusive right to sell your home for a certain period of time. Without that contract, people (both buyers and brokers)could find out about the home, bypass the broker, and approach the seller directly. That would put real estate brokers out of business quickly; hurting everyone.

If you would like further information about Multiple Listing Service, please don't hesitate to contact us.