SWELL’s Guide to the MLS
Multiple Listing Service a.k.a. The MLS
In the old days, real estate agents had to find homes for sale by scouring through binders, in person, at the different agencies.
They had to physically go, search, and then request keys to show a home if they found something their client might like. Not only did this take valuable time, but it could also be a waste if nothing in the binders met their client’s needs. Thanks to the internet and some super smart people the MLS database was created. It has the most accurate, up-to-date, and honest information about homes currently for sale.
What’s The Deal With Sites Like Zillow?
Great question, glad you asked! Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and all the other real estate websites buy information from the MLS and use it to make money. They take that information and make it easy for non-agents to use. They just want to help me find a home, right? No, not really…they want to sell you.
All of this ease of access and convenience comes at a cost, you giving away your personal information. These sites capture and sell your data to third parties. These third parties are typically real estate agents you don’t know who will blast you with unwanted emails, phone calls, and texts. After being used to make money the least these websites could do is get you accurate information, right? Sorry, but no again…
If you’re searching for a home to buy, these real estate sites can be slow to update. Which means you could miss out on your perfect houses. Or they’re inaccurate and show you a home that is no longer on the market…for years in some cases.
If you are trying to sell your house on one of these websites, then be warned. These home value estimates are not accurate. A home is kind of like a car. If your car is in good condition, it’s worth more. If it’s beat up, then it’s worth less. A computer cannot tell the difference between a home that’s in good condition and one that’s not. A computer doesn’t know the difference between a home that’s been updated and one that’s in 1958 original condition. You need a knowledgeable person to give a precise estimate of the value of your home, not a computer.
Don’t let robots undervalue your home!
Why You Should Choose The MLS
The MLS database was created for real estate agents to more easily market and sell homes to other agents with home-buyer clients. For this reason, it is the source for all homes being sold by agents throughout America. Since it is the source, information updates in real time. The MLS is simply the most accurate way to find homes for sale, period. The good news is that you don’t have to be a real estate agent to access the MLS. In fact, you just have to know one. If you’re reading this blog then you know us and we can get you MLS connected.
With MLS access from SWELL, we will set up a custom home search just for you. We can also make your home search much more specific, saving you time and energy. Since you’re accessing the MLS directly, you get notified of updates immediately. You can even decide how frequently you want to get notified of new homes hitting the market, making sure you don’t miss out on a great home. It’s also simple to use, you can access the MLS through a computer or via an app on your phone. Plus we stay connected, we can see which homes you favorite and which homes aren’t right for you. Most important, you can contact us day and night with your questions or to schedule a home tour.
Easier. Faster. More Accurate.
At SWELL, we don’t sell anyone’s personal information. Ever. You’ll never have to worry about getting blasted with unwanted emails, calls, and texts. You’ll work with our highly trained real estate professionals, not some random agent who paid to be on a website. All of this means you have a highly personalized and exceptional home buying experience.
More Privacy. More Customized. More In Control.
How To Get Connected
Fill out the MLS Access Form below and get SWELL MLS access in no time. All of this is available to you at no cost and no obligation. We offer this service because we believe knowledge is power and we want to empower you to move confidently.
Get started today and find out how buying or selling a home can be simple, easy, and even a little fun.
