Savannah Ga Real Estate - Understanding the Changing Nature of MLS

MLS stands for Multi-List Service and is the database Realtors use to store and retrieve listing information. It has been a great marketing tool for home-sellers and their listing agents who are able to market homes to many agents and their buyers by simply inputing the home information in one huge storage bin.

Traditionally, only Realtors had access to the MLS and were the gatekeepers of this information. But, in recent years, with the advent of the internet, MLS has been opened up to buyers on a limited basis. The MLS is made accessible to buyers on the internet through what is called IDX, Internet Data Exchange. If you follow the link provided it will explain IDX and how even that is changing.

Although buyers have access to listings through various websites with IDX solutions, buyers can only access certain information. Other information such as statistics regarding past sales, how long homes are staying on the market or how much homes have appreciated in certain areas, will still need to be gathered by Realtors. However, on most Realtor websites you will find an MLS Search function where you can place your criteria and find most of the listings that meet your criteria.

The IDX/MLS solution I have also allows you to register and create a personal home-search website. This personal website allows you to save the listings you like and want to go back to later, and it also sends out automatic notification of new listings as they come on the market. It has a financial function for prequalification and it also provides mapping so you can see the areas in which the listings are located.

The best thing about registering and creating a personal website is that you can request further information on properties and areas that you may not receive through the initial information given, so that you start an information and narrowing-down process that takes a lot of the hassle and guess-work out of home-shopping. At no cost you have a listings and area information source from a professional Realtor willing to assist you make an informed decision based on objective data.

Times are changing and the relationship between Realtors and home-buyers is changing, rapidly. Realtors who used to act more like slick salespeople are now having to be more service minded and internet savvy -- it is all about the information, and the analysis of the information. Service rules!

Mike from Savannah