The MLS - Multiple Listing Service

What is MLS?
MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. It is a service offered by estate agents to anyone wanting to buy or sell a home. Real estate agents combine their service at no extra cost to assist sellers in selling their property in the shortest possible time and at the right price, as well as offering byers a wider range of homes to choose from.






How can MLS help a seller?
Because your home (as a seller) will be listed on the MLS listing system, all MLS registered agents will know that it is for sale and they will be able to help your agent to sell your home by bringing more buyers to you. Your chances of selling more quickly and at the right price are much better.

How can MLS help a buyer?
Because your agent knows about the homes that other MLS agents have for sale, you will have a much larger range of homes to choose from.

How can you have your home listed on MLS?
If you would like to sell your home quickly and at the right price, you should first make sure that the agent is a member of the MLS network. You must then ask your agent to multi-list your home as soon as possible, to get the advantage of the combined efforts of many agents, and to have your
home advertised on the Internet. You should insist that your home is listed with MLS, because MLS is by far the largest multi-listing system in South Africa.

How does MLS work?
For Sellers
Your agent will put the details of your home which is for sale on the MLS network and arrange an "open hour", known in some regions as "open house", which is like a show day but is held during the week and is for MLS agents to view your home and give an estimate on the expected selling price.
You now not only have the price you can expect buyers to offer for your home, but you also have many agents with a firsthand knowledge of the home about which they can tell buyers.

For Buyers
Your agent will ask you about the home you are looking for and then search on the computer system for homes which will meet your needs. Your agent will phone the sellers of selected properties to arrange a viewing.

Who do you deal with in MLS?
You need only deal with one estate agent of your choice when selling your home.

What will the MLS service cost?
NOTHING! The agents who list and sell your home will share the normal commission with each other after the property is sold. You get more service at no extra cost! By dealing with a MLS agent you get the combined professional service and advice of many.