Is is possible to see MLS listings for homes in my area (Montgomery Co., MD) even if I’m not a Realtor?
November 102009
I want to search for a detached single-family home that would be suitable to rent out for cash flow. I THINK I heard that it is now possible to see many, if not all, of the MLS listings online even if you’re not a licensed Realtor with regular access to the MLS. (Possibly even using Yahoo Real Estate or similar services.) I may use a Realtor if necessary, but I’d prefer to do at least my initial search on my own if I can. The price of homes in my area is one of the highest in the country, so I will need to do a thorough search before finding a home at a price I’m willing to pay. Also, can I search state-wide outside my own county using online sources? Note: I intentionally do not want to specify a price range here since I may get responses from sellers and/or agents trying to sell a property. I’m simply looking for an answer to my question at this time. Thanks in advance.
No you cannot access the MLS without being a licensed realtor.
Yahoo Real Estate and Realtor.com pull their lists directly from the MLS. All of the important information about the house is shown on these sites, but there is some information that you can only see on the MLS, like the millage rate. Also, Yahoo RE and Realtor.com usually have a 1-2 day delay in updating, so you may be looking at a house that is already under contract.
November 10th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Sure… http://www.mls.com
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November 10th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
GO to HAR.com and put in your area they should come up
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November 10th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Actually, the "mls.com" site is an advertising site, and in many areas has only very limited listings.
The National Association of Realtors runs a property search website with far more listings at http://www.realtor.com. A few brokerages have "opted out" of it, but those brokers generally don’t share data with anyone.
Additionally many agents and brokers put property search functions on their websites that include everything in the local MLS through a system we call IDX (Information Data eXchange). I have something similar on my own website, but since I don’t work in Maryland, mine won’t be of much help.
You might try:
http://www.colleenbarlow.net/
(No particular reason to choose her, except that she seems to work for an independent agency, and I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for folks working with the little guys.)
Oh, and if you do end up going through her to buy something, tell her she owes a fellow Realtor out here in Washington (state) a nice dinner. (www.barelli.biz)
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November 10th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
http://www.realtor.com
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November 10th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Do a Google search for: MLS Montgomery County Maryland (link below)
MLS access is possible through real estate companies (see link below) or through the classified section of on-line newspapers in the community in which you are seeking property. In this day of internet access, it’s not that hard.
Umm-m-m-m emu, your link is to Houston properties.
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http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=mls+montgomery+county+maryland
http://www.homes-mont-county-md.com/
November 10th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
yes, this site gives you the full address for Montgomery County homes, http://www.choicerealestate.net
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November 10th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
No you cannot access the MLS without being a licensed realtor.
Yahoo Real Estate and Realtor.com pull their lists directly from the MLS. All of the important information about the house is shown on these sites, but there is some information that you can only see on the MLS, like the millage rate. Also, Yahoo RE and Realtor.com usually have a 1-2 day delay in updating, so you may be looking at a house that is already under contract.
References :