Even before the sign is up and the brochures are
ready, your agent should list your property with the local MLS (Multiple
Listing Service). The MLS is a database of all the homes listed by local
real estate agents who are members of the service.
Important information about your property is listed
here, from general data such as square footage and number of rooms, to
such details as whether you have central air conditioning or hard wood
flooring. There should also be a photo, and a short verbal description
of what makes your house "special."
Agents search the database for homes that fit the
price range and needs of their clients. They pay special attention to
homes that have been recently placed on the market, which is one reason
you get a lot of attention when your house is first listed. Many agents
will want to preview the home before they show it to their clients.
The main point about having your house listed in the
MLS is that you expand your sales force by the number of local MLS
members. Instead of having just one agent working for you, now you may
have hundreds or more, depending on the size of your community.
The listing agent’s main job to make sure that the
other MLS members know about your house. This is accomplished through
listing your house in the Multiple Listing Service, broker previews and
advertising targeted toward other agents, not homebuyers.
