How to Find a Listing From an MLS ID Number
An MLS ID number is a used to identify a real estate property that is for sale. MLS stands for Multiple Listings Service, which is a database used by real estate agents across the country. MLS ID numbers are found in most online listing services, as well as listings in newspapers, real estate magazines and other media where real estate is advertised. Once you have an MLS ID number, finding information on the property is easy.
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Instructions
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Finding a property using MLS ID Number
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Log onto the Internet and visit realtor.com. Realtor.com does not list every property in the MLS database, but it is the first place to try when looking up an MLS ID number, as the website has become very popular with real estate agents.
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View the home page of realtor.com and look under the tab titles "find a home." This search feature will allow you to search for homes by name of city or zip code. However, to search by MLS ID number, you will need to click on the blue link under the search bar titled "Search by MLS ID #."
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Input the MLS ID number, which is usually seven digits long, then click "go." In most cases, the MLS ID number is a unique identification number which refers to only one property. However, you will notice that occasionally more than one listing will appear on your MLS ID search. If this is the case, the properties will always be located in different states, making it easy to determine the property that is relevant to your search. If you are unable to locate your property using the MLS ID number search feature on realtor.com, you will need to attempt another method.
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View the original source where you acquired the MLS ID number. If the source is an advertisement from the listing real estate agency, check their website to see if they host an MLS search feature. Many websites make this search available to prospective home buyers, while others will choose to keep this information private so that customers have to talk to real estate agents. If they do not have this option, try a general Internet search.
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Launch your preferred Internet search engine and type in the MLS ID number. If your search results in no listings, chances are that your MLS ID number is incorrect, newer than the database updates, or in such a remote location that only someone with access to the MLS database can find it. In the latter situation, contact a friend in real estate or a local real estate agent to see if they will give you the address of the listing. Once you have the listing address, you can visit the property to determine if you would like to schedule a showing with the listing agent.
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Tips & Warnings
Use all Internet resources before contacting a realtor. While real estate agents are very helpful, they will often want your contact information before helping you. Once they have your contact information, you will be hearing from them frequently.
