The Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Probably one of the biggest differences that the UK buyer will notice (and must be aware of) is the role of the MLS service.

There is NO NEED to walk up and down high streets going into each and every real estate office.

All the properties are listed on a computerized database this is the MLS.

Once you have chosen the agent to work with.  Your agent will have access to all the details of those properties within your criteria. YOU ONLY NEED TO WORK WITH ONE AGENT.

What is the MLS, and how does it work for you?  The MLS is a database of properties currently on the market in the area.  Real Estate Agents/Brokers participating in the MLS (which includes virtually all Brokers in the area) list all the homes they have for sale and agree to share in the sales commission of the properties.  

AS THE BUYER

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  Your REALTOR, will get paid from the sellers commission (there may be a small administration fee to you of approximately $200) so it is in your best interests to work with just one agent when buying your Florida property and costs you virtually nothing. 

IF YOU ARE THE SELLER

The big advantage to you, as the seller, is that every single broker and agent participating in the MLS has an incentive to sell your home.  This effectively puts every agent in the area to work selling your home!  The first place a buyers agent looks is always the MLS.  There is simply no better way to gain instant and widespread exposure for your home than listing it on the MLS.

So, the first action an agent who is selling your home will do is to get your home listed on the MLS!  When another agent is searching for a home to meet the needs of a buyer, the agent will search the MLS based on the buyers criteria for price range and features.  So the sellers agent will enter all the important information about your home, such as the size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any special features.  

Photos and a virtual tours are also taken of your house and include them with your MLS listing.  Agents and buyers alike are always more likely to look at listings with photos and virtual tours.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is possible to email properties directly to potential buyers via the MLS system.

Please contact me for details on recieving automated property information details.