The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the one single database that contains every listing available to the local area Board of Realtors.  What that means is that every property listed by a Broker/Realtor in the local area you're searching for, should be contained within the MLS -- unless the owner of the property has specifically requested that the property not be listed in the MLS (a fairly rare occurrence).  That said, the MLS is the largest single property locating tool available to brokers, Realtors, and now to you -- the real estate consumer.

Are All Properties For Sale Listed in the MLS?

No.  Although most properties listed for sale are listed through real estate brokerages, there will always be properties for sale in the local area that are not included in the MLS.  Examples of such properties will include properties where the owner has chosen to sell the property themselves ("For-Sale-By-Owner") and other properties that are listed with a Realtor, but the owner has chosen not to have them listed in the MLS (again, a fairly rare occurrence). 

How Do I Use It?

Using the information contained in the MLS is relatively simple.  Simply go to your "Search MLS" page, highlight the areas you're interested in, then fill-in the information that's relevant to you -- number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, price range, location, and anything else that applies to the home you're searching for.  The more specific you can be, the more relevant your search results.  However, it's very important not to be too specific in some instances, or homes that you might have been interested in will not be returned.  For instance, say you wanted a home that was at least 1,900 square feet.  You'll receive all homes that are at least 1,900 square feet, but you might miss that home that's 1,899 square feet and had the pool you always wanted.  It happens.  So remember, please be liberal with your initial search criteria, or at least go back and adjust your criteria once you've seen all the homes with your "perfect" characteristics.

Daily Email Results

Once you're comfortable with the type of home you're searching for, you can continue to search the MLS at your convenience in order to develop a target list of homes that meet your criteria.  If you'd like not to perform a manual search by hand every day, you can elect to save your search results on the bottom of your search form. This will automatically save your search and send your search results to you every single day so that you can be the first to know when properties arrive on the market that meet your general criteria.  Outstanding properties always move quickly, so being the first to know when they arrive on the market will give you a great competitive edge.  That's the only way to ensure that your home doesn't become someone else's.

What If I Can't Seem To Find What I'm Looking For?

If you have a specific set of search criteria that doesn't seem to be offered on the "Search MLS" page, please contact us and we will develop a custom search for you that meets your criteria.  Say, for example, you were interested in only homes in one particular subdivision, built between 1968 and 1971, with waterfront and a rock exterior.  We can do that.  These types of custom searches are great for people who know exactly what they're looking for and who have an unlimited time constraint.

What's Next?

Once you've developed a target list of interesting properties, please contact us and we will schedule showings for all properties that you're interested in.  This way, we'll make the most efficient use of your time during your home search.

Buyers - If you are looking for the Lake Home, Waterfront Homes, Rentals, Retirement Communities, Ranches of your dreams or Investment Property, check with us. You can search the MLS by Clicking on the Seach the MLS tab at the top of the page.  

Property Search, for Lake Homes, Waterfront Homes, Rentals, Retirement Homes, Ranches, Acreage, Lakeview Homes with Docks, Investment Properties, or Homes with Great LakeViews!

Sellers - This site has information for you about preparing your home for sale, selecting the right Realtor, pricing your home appropriately, marketing it effectively, going through the inspection processes, and getting a timely market evaluation.