What is the multiple listing service (MLS) used for?

The multiple listing service (MLS) is primarily used as a database for local brokers to share property listings. This system allows real estate professionals to collaborate, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory of homes available for sale. By sharing listings through the MLS, brokers can ensure that their clients have access to a wide array of properties, promoting a more efficient marketplace.

The MLS not only helps in the circulation of listing information but also includes details like pricing, property features, and showing schedules. This collaboration fosters a competitive environment where brokers can gain insights from one another and encourage quicker sales by broadening the visibility of properties among potential buyers.

Any options related to property appraisal, tax records, or property value assessment exist in different contexts within real estate but do not reflect the core purpose of the MLS, which is to facilitate the sharing of listings among local real estate professionals.