How the MLS Works

How the MLS Works


MLS is the abbreviation for “Multiple Listing Service”. Participating REALTORS, which includes real estate agents, agree to “cooperate” with each other in the sale of real estate. This means that the listings of any brokerage firm participating in the service offers the other participating brokerage firms the privilege and opportunity to sell the properties listed. The sales commission paid is divided, or split, between the “Listing Brokerage” and the “Selling Brokerage”.

The information on all listings is entered and stored in the Joplin Board of REALTORS computer. The Joplin area Multiple Listing Service (MLS) enables any brokerage firm participating in the service quick access to other firm’s listings.

For Sellers, the benefits of the MLS are that it enables all of the cooperating agents and brokers the ability to offer the property for sale. This greatly increases the possibility of selling for the highest price in the shortest amount of time.

For Buyers, it can save time, effort and money. With all of the data “listed” properties available to a cooperating agent or Broker, the Buyer need not go from one brokerage to another until all prospective properties are viewed. The Buyers can outline their needs to one agent or Broker and that agent or Broker can easily find the properties which seem to meet those needs.

The Carlin Team is a member of the Joplin Board of REALTORS serving all of Jasper and Newton counties including, but not limited to, Joplin, Carthage, Carl Junction, Webb City, Neosho, Seneca, Oronogo and Carterville.