The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is an essential tool real estate agents use when selling property. This realtor-only tool offers plenty of benefits, such as increased exposure, a direct link to qualified buyers, and access to key market data and statistics. Beyond that, the MLS also allows realtors to present properties professionally and encourages cooperation between real estate professionals.
The Boston real estate market is highly fierce and competitive. With an increased demand for housing and a limited supply, the area is a seller’s market — ideal conditions if you’re considering listing your home for sale. Even in a favorable market, you should exhaust all available resources, including the MLS, to sell your house quickly and for top dollar.
Here is why utilizing the Multiple Listing Service matters when listing homes for sale in Boston, MA.
Increased exposure
The MLS is a comprehensive database real estate agents use to share property information. Because almost every agent uses the MLS, gaining exposure to a vast network of real estate professionals is easy. Other agents will see your property listing in the database and share it with potential buyers.
Since most property transactions happen due to cooperation among brokers, this tool offers an even greater chance of selling your home. Additionally, many home listing websites (like Zillow and Trulia) are seeded by the local MLS, which means maximum exposure for sellers who use the online tool.
Direct link to qualified buyers
Wider exposure only matters if the people you reach are serious about buying your house. This is another reason why the MLS is so important. Serious buyers are often ones who work alongside a real estate agent to find the home of their dreams. In many cases, these buyers are motivated, pre-approved for financing, and actively searching for houses. By listing your property on the MLS, you can tap into this specific pool of buyers who are both qualified and ready to make an offer. This further increases your chances of selling your house fast and for top dollar.
Access to market data
When we say the MLS is a comprehensive database, we mean it provides realtors with accurate market data and statistics. This particular information is important when selling a house because it gives agents an idea of what types of buyers are currently in the market and what types of houses they are looking for. Additionally, this data can help agents more accurately compare your home to other houses in the area. From such comparisons, your agent can determine a competitive and appropriate listing price, increasing the chances of selling your house.
Professionally present properties
When agents list homes for sale in Boston, MA, through the MLS, their listings often include professional-quality pictures and videos. In today’s digital age, posting the best pictures possible will attract more potential buyers. Professional photography is widely considered essential to a successful sale. Many agents accompany quality pictures with virtual tours, adding to the appeal of their listings. By listing on the MLS, you can highlight the best features of your house and display unique selling points, selling your home faster and for more money.
Encourages cooperation
As mentioned before, most real estate professionals have access to the MLS. The database reaches a network of agents whose clients are motivated to buy and sell houses. When you list your property to the MLS, you offer compensation to buyer’s agents, ensuring they bring qualified clients to view your home. The more extensive the network, the more potential buyers you reach. This collaboration significantly expands your reach and increases your chances of finding a buyer.
Accurate information
The MLS provides a structured format for listing property details, such as the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, amenities, and other detailed information. Following this standardized format allows realtors to provide clear and accurate information when listing homes, thus ensuring buyers have all the details they need. The more precise your listing, the more credibility it has and the more likely it will attract prospective buyers.
Provides credibility
Because only realtors can access the MLS, the tool adds a level of credibility to your listing. Your listing signals to other realtors that your property is currently available and that you as the seller are working with a qualified agent. This instills confidence in both other agents and buyers that you are serious and motivated to sell, increasing your chances of a successful transaction.
Better list homes for sale in Boston, MA
As shown above, the MLS is a valuable tool that most real estate agents use when selling a house. From reaching a broader range of audiences to providing critical market data, the MLS offers many benefits that make the home-selling process much more manageable. However, this tool is only available to realtors, which means you need to work alongside a qualified agent if you wish to use it.
Although Boston real estate heavily favors sellers, it is essential to leverage all the available tools when selling a house. Any realtor worth your time will know how exactly to use the MLS in your favor. They can use the tool to not only sell your home fast but for top dollar as well.
Irina Podolsky is a Boston real estate agent who has helped numerous clients sell their homes over the years. Using her knowledge of the MLS, Irina knows how to properly list houses on the service to secure a quick and profitable sale. If you’re looking for the best way to list homes for sale in Boston, MA, then contact Irina today.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
