What is an MLS?

First, you need to know that a “listing” is a property that is for sale and represented by an agent. 

A multiple listing service is a computerized database of all listings for sale by all the participants in the MLS. So, isn’t any computerized list of homes an MLS? No. 

To be an “MLS” the database must allow the listing broker to offer to pay a commission to another broker if the broker procures a buyer who buys the listing. That offer of compensation from the listing broker to broker who brings the buyer is what makes it an MLS and not just a database of homes.

There are hundreds of MLS’s in the United States, but there is typically only one multiple listing service per geographic area. For the Mid-Atlantic area the MLS is called MRIS, which stands for “Metropolitan Regional Information Systems.” (www.MRIS.com) MRIS is 100% owned by local Realtor associations, but any real estate licensee in a state covered by the company may join whether they belong to a Realtor association or not.

We are fortunate in the Mid-Atlantic to have the second largest and the most advanced MLS in the world. MRIS supplies the full range of multiple listing services for the region. In addition, the technology MRIS created is used as the backbone for the two largest MLS’s in the world as well as many other MLS’s in the US.

The full information in the MLS is only available to subscribers of the MLS. However, the general public has access to information about every property that is actively available in the MRIS database through www.MRISHomes.com . This web site is up-to-the-minute accurate and a serious buyer would be wise to use this site as the best source to see which homes are available.