In
the past, buying or selling a house begins through word of mouth or
newspaper ads. Thanks to the Internet, most real estate transactions
are now carried out through multiple listing services or MLS. This
technology benefits both parties in the sale of a residential
property through a number of ways.
Buyers
take advantage of MLS listings in order to learn more about
prospective properties for sale in a particular area. Specifically,
they look up the house’s exact dimensions, the number of rooms,
amenities, and other pertinent information that can influence their
decision. Listings can also provide pictures or a video tour of the
properties on sale so that buyers don’t actually have to visit the
properties in person to see what these look like.
Sellers,
meanwhile, benefit from MLS listings because they get greater
exposure for their properties, thereby increasing their chances of
finding a buyer. The MLS itself also shoulders much of the marketing
efforts since every house listed on it is also promoted by every real
estate agent who uses that particular list. Sellers who put great
stock in privacy can resort to ‘pocket lists’, although these may
not attract a lot of potential buyers compared to an MLS.
