Accessing the multiple listing service (MLS) — the exclusive database where real estate agents list most homes for sale — is a pivotal step for anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
Buyers can access the MLS without a realtor by visiting sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin, since MLS listings are automatically syndicated to those sites. But a buyer's agent accessing the MLS directly gets the most accurate, up-to-date listings and instant alerts for new homes. Without an agent, you may miss out on the best opportunities.
Sellers can access the MLS without a realtor by using a flat fee MLS service, which lists homes on the MLS for a one-time fee of a few hundred dollars. Having that listing can dramatically boost visibility among buyers and help your home sell faster and for more money. However, you'll still likely sell for less than you would with an agent. Homes sold by owner sell for $65,000 less on average.[1]
If you don't want to sell on your own, a low-commission agent can list your home for just 1.5% (half the standard rate). Their expertise in pricing, marketing, and negotiating often leads to a much higher sale price, making the fee well worth it. Find the best low-commission agents near you.
What is the MLS — and why does it matter?
The multiple listing service (MLS) is a database where licensed agents post and search for listings. Across the U.S., there are over 800 regional MLS databases.[2]
The MLS is widely used — 88% of all sellers list their homes on it.[3] It's an extremely effective marketing tool, since it's the go-to place for buyer's agents to find the right home for their clients.
Only 10% of FSBO sellers use the MLS.[4] Not listing on it impacts sale outcomes, often resulting in lower sale prices compared to agent-assisted sales ($65,000 lower on average).[1]
Who can access the MLS?
MLS access is only available to licensed real estate agents and brokers. "Access is restricted to licensed professionals to ensure accuracy, accountability, and professional oversight," explains Katerina Bucciarelli, founder of Innovatiore Realty Group.
"The MLS oftentimes holds sensitive data, like seller information, showings [schedules], and pricing trends," adds Alexi Morgado, a realtor and founder of Lexawise Real Estate Exam Prep. Limited access is designed to safeguard these details.
This exclusivity also stems from the financial costs associated with maintaining the MLS. Membership fees paid by real estate professionals help cover these expenses, ensuring the system remains current and secure.
How to get MLS access without a realtor
1. Sellers can use a flat fee MLS listing service
If you're considering selling your home yourself, a flat fee MLS listing service offers a cost-effective strategy to get your property listed on the local MLS. These services, provided by licensed brokerage companies, allow you to list your home on the MLS at a fraction of traditional real estate commissions.
Fees range from $100 for basic listings to $1,000+ for more comprehensive services. You'd save a lot of money compared to the standard 3% listing fee, which costs $12,000 on a $400,000 home sale. You'd also have a lot more control over the sale process.
Our top flat fee MLS pick
If you’re exploring flat fee MLS options, Houzeo is one of the leading nationwide platforms that helps homeowners list their properties on the MLS without hiring a realtor. Plans include helpful tools for scheduling showings, managing offers, and tracking your listing online.
Houzeo’s platform guides you through each step of the selling process, making it easier to connect with serious buyers while avoiding the traditional 3% listing commission.
You should still weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks:
- Lower sale prices: Homes sold by owner net $65,000 less on average than homes sold by an agent.[1] Additionally, the National Association of Realtors has found that homes sold through agents achieve sale prices at or above the asking price, offsetting any savings from avoiding traditional commission fees.
- More work: Without an agent, you'll have to take on the work a realtor usually handles. A flat fee MLS listing "does not necessarily involve any other service from the broker," explains Morgado. Bucciarelli adds: "This approach requires the seller to navigate showings, negotiations, and contracts independently, which can be overwhelming."
One alternative is working with a low-commission agent. These agents provide the same full-service support as a traditional agent, but for half the cost. That means you can have a professional handle the hard work, maximize your sale price, and save thousands on commissions. Find top local agents who offer a 1.5% listing fee, and walk away with more profit overall.
2. Buyers can browse public MLS listings online
Select MLS providers — including major ones like Bright MLS — offer public access through platforms such as Nestfully. Nestfully is a portal created by Bright MLS and CRMLS to provide free, real-time access to MLS listings.[5]
However, public access has limits. "Although sites like Nestfully and Realtor.com pull MLS data, they avoid sensitive information and may not update in real time," says Morgado. Details such as agent notes, commission information, showing instructions, and security codes remain exclusive to professionals.
If you're ready to take the next step toward viewing a home, contacting the listing agent or partnering with a buyer's agent becomes essential.
3. Buyers can also use real estate websites
Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com pull data from the MLS. You search listings nationwide and set alerts for homes that meet your criteria.
However, these platforms may not always present the most current or accurate information compared to direct MLS sources. Here's why:
- These websites may rely on third-party data providers and the homeowner's inputted information, not the MLS directly, which can delay updates or lead to errors.
- For example, websites like Zillow might use data from third-party providers or homeowner inputs rather than direct MLS information, causing delays or inaccuracies in updates. This approach can affect Zillow's home value estimate accuracy, with outdated public records and incomplete details leading to incorrect property valuations.[6]
- Listings on these sites can lag behind real-time MLS changes by 24–48 hours, meaning a property listed as available might already be off the market. That's why a home will sometimes still appear as "for sale" even after the seller accepts an offer.[7]
- "Many MLSs use old legacy software technologies or databases, and often ... major MLSs have system outages ... [so] no user can enter or update new listings for a period of time," adds James Wang, founder and CEO of REAi, Inc.
- Some agents choose not to share their listings with these third-party services, resulting in missing properties from your search.
How to get MLS access with a realtor
Buyers work with a buyer's agent
Nearly 90% of buyers work with an agent. Your buyer's agent will use the MLS to help find the right home for you (49% of all buyers say that this is the primary service they're looking for from an agent).[3]
Your agent will ask you about what you're looking for, then search for listings on the MLS that meet your criteria. The MLS has the most detailed info on homes for sale, so agents can get granular with filters. They can also set up instant alerts for new listings so you can take advantage of opportunities as soon as they arise. And they can use MLS pricing data to help you pinpoint a competitive offer amount.
You likely won't have to pay the buyer's agent fee, since sellers usually cover it. That means you can enjoy the benefits of professional guidance without direct expense. Find the top buyer's agents in your area.
Sellers work with a listing agent
Like buyers, nearly 90% of sellers work with an agent.[3] Your listing agent will use the MLS to help price your home competitively. "The MLS is a key platform for agents to research comparables [and] track market trends," explains Bucciarelli. It has detailed info on recently sold properties. Your agent will draw on this data to complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) report and recommend a listing price.
Without that data, you risk overpricing your home. This is a common pitfall for people who sell their homes without professional guidance, also known as for sale by owner (FSBO). Overpriced homes tend to linger on the market, losing appeal to potential buyers over time. As a listing becomes stale, sellers may be forced to make significant price reductions, ultimately diminishing profits.[8]
- FSBO listings sell for 15% less on average vs. agent-assisted sales
- Clever lets you list with top local realtors for just 1.5% at closing
- Get full in-person representation, showings, pro photos, and more
FAQ about MLS access
How can I find MLS listings near me?
You can find MLS listings near you by searching for homes in your area on major real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin — all pull data directly from the MLS. If you want access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive listings, consider working with a local real estate agent. A licensed agent can access the MLS directly and alert you to new homes that match your criteria.
Can I find a townhouse, condo, or apartment on the MLS?
Yes, the MLS contains all properties that are currently for sale in a particular area, including townhouses, condos, and apartments. If you're searching for a specific type of property, you need to partner with a local real estate agent to gain MLS access.
What is the difference between the MLS and a real estate license?
The MLS, or multiple listing service, is a regional and private database that contains properties for sale. A real estate license is issued by the state and allows realtors and real estate brokers to legally represent a home seller or home buyer in the real estate process. Only licensed real estate professionals are allowed to access property listings on the MLS.
