What is the MLS?

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service.  The MLS is the community of local Realtors in action.  Every time a Realtor lists a home for sale, the first thing that agent does it place a listing for the home in the MLS.  The MLS is usually controlled by the local board of Realtors.  In Grand Rapids, the board is called GRAR or Grand Rapids Association of Realtors (www.grar.com).

The local association controls the rules under which new listings are admitted as long as they are within NAR's rules (National Association of Realtors, www.realtor.org).

Once an agent turns in a new listing, it's quickly entered into the MLS computer system.  From there, every local Realtor has access to that listing, whether it's to get information about it or to show it.  

This means that if you're a home seller, from the first day your home is listed in the Grand Rapids MLS, over 3000 Realtors are potentially attempting to sell it (Sorry For Sale By Owners).  If you are a buyer looking for a home in Grand Rapids, your agent can give you immediate access to well over 3500 homes for sale in the area.

The MLS is indeed a powerful tool.  Remember, only "Realtors" have direct access to the MLS.  The terms "Realtor" and "Real Estate Agent" are not synonymous.  Anyone who is licensed by the state government is automatically a "real estate agent or broker".  On the other hand, only "Realtors" are members of the National, Michigan (www.mirealtors.com), and Grand Rapids Association of Realtors.