MLS Service vs. Zillow: Understanding the Differences

Key Highlights

• The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a private database used by licensed real estate professionals to share listing data.

• Websites like Zillow and Redfin are public real estate platforms that pull property listings from the MLS and other sources.

• MLS listings are generally more accurate and updated faster than those on public real estate platforms.

• Only a licensed real estate agent can post listings directly to a local MLS.

• Home buyers and home sellers can gain access to the most reliable information by working with a real estate agent who has direct MLS access.

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Introduction

When you start searching for a new home, you’ll likely find yourself browsing real estate platforms like Zillow or Redfin. These sites provide a vast number of property listings, but they aren't the source of the information. The backbone of the American real estate market is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). While both show you homes for sale, understanding how the MLS is different from consumer websites is key to navigating your home buying or selling journey effectively.

Understanding the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, is one of the most powerful tools in the real estate industry. It functions as a comprehensive database of homes for sale, created and maintained by real estate professionals for sharing information. A 1% listing agent inputs property details into the MLS to make them available to other agents.

This cooperative system ensures that a buyer’s agent can show their clients any property listed by another agent, creating a more efficient marketplace. This section will explore what the MLS is, how it developed, and who has access to its valuable data.

What is a Multiple Listing Service?

A Multiple Listing Service is essentially a private real estate marketplace for licensed agents and brokers. It’s a cooperative system where members of a real estate brokerage share information about property listings they represent. This is fundamentally different from websites like Zillow or Redfin, which are public-facing portals that aggregate data, partly from the MLS.

When a listing agent from a real estate brokerage puts a home on the market, they enter all the details into their local MLS. This allows other agents working with buyers to see the new listing immediately. Real estate agents use MLS services because they provide the widest possible exposure for a seller's property to every qualified buyer’s agent in the area.

This collaborative environment helps sellers get the best price for their homes by reaching a huge pool of potential buyers. For buyers, it creates a one-stop shop for their agents to find all available properties that match their needs, making the search process far more efficient.

How MLS Systems Developed in the United States

The concept of the MLS began in the early 1900s. Back then, real estate agents would gather in their local association offices to share information about the homes they were trying to sell. This informal exchange was a way to cooperate and help each other find buyers for their listings.

In 1908, this collaborative practice was officially endorsed by the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges, which later became the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This endorsement laid the groundwork for the organized MLS systems we see today. The adoption of a Code of Ethics in 1913 further professionalized the real estate industry, establishing rules for cooperation.

The big technological leap came in the 1970s when computerized MLS systems started replacing paper directories. This made data sharing faster and more efficient, evolving into the sophisticated databases that power the real estate market in the United States today. This professional, agent-driven system is a core difference from public sites like Zillow and Redfin, which are primarily advertising platforms.

MLS Access and Who Uses It

Direct access to the MLS is exclusive to licensed professionals who are members of their local real estate association. You cannot simply log in to the MLS as a member of the public. This exclusivity is in place to ensure the accuracy and security of the MLS data. Real estate agents pay fees to belong to an MLS, which gives them the ability to list properties and view detailed information not available to the public.

Real estate agents use MLS services because it is the most effective way to market a seller's home and find properties for buyers. The main users of the MLS include:

• Seller’s Agent: They use the MLS to input a new listing, marketing it to all other agents in the area.

• Buyer’s Agent: They search the MLS to find properties that meet their clients’ criteria, schedule showings, and gather detailed information.

So, how do you access an MLS service if you're not a real estate agent? The only way to get full, direct access is by working with a licensed real estate agent. They can set up customized searches for you and provide reports directly from the MLS, giving you the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

What Are Zillow and Redfin?

Zillow and Redfin are two of the most popular names in online real estate. Unlike the MLS, these are consumer-facing real estate platforms designed for the general public. They function as large online marketplaces where you can browse a vast number of listings, view photos, and get an estimate of a home's worth.

While both are go-to real estate websites for many, they operate differently from each other and from the MLS. They aggregate property details from various sources to create a user-friendly search experience. The following sections will provide an overview of each platform and how it works.

Overview of Zillow

Zillow is the largest consumer real estate website in the United States, offering a massive database of property listings. It operates as an advertising marketplace, generating revenue primarily through its Zillow Premier Agent program, where agents pay to be featured on listings in specific zip codes.

A key feature of Zillow is its "Zestimate," an algorithm-based home value estimate. While popular, it's important to remember that this is a starting point and not a formal appraisal. Zillow also allows homeowners to list their homes "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) for free, meaning not all of its listings come from the MLS.

The platform also has a program called Zillow Offers, where homeowners in select markets can sell their homes directly to the company.

Because Zillow aggregates data from MLS feeds, third-party vendors, and user-submitted content, its information can sometimes be less current than a direct MLS feed. Delays in updates mean a property might still show as active on Zillow hours after it has gone under contract in the MLS.

Overview of Redfin

Redfin is unique because it is both a real estate platform and a licensed real estate brokerage. This business model gives it a distinct advantage in the markets where it operates. Because Redfin employs its own agents, it has a direct feed from the MLS in those areas, which often results in faster and more accurate listing updates.

Similar to Zillow, Redfin provides its own home valuation tool, the "Redfin Estimate." This estimate uses its own algorithm and relies heavily on actual sale prices from the MLS. In terms of customer service, when you connect with an agent through Redfin, you are typically working with an in-house employee of the company, which can create a different experience than connecting with an independent agent.

In markets where Redfin has a brokerage, new listings can appear on its site within minutes of being entered into the MLS. This makes it one of the most up-to-date public platforms available. However, in areas where it doesn't have a direct presence, it relies on syndicated feeds, which can be slower.

How These Real Estate Platforms Operate

Real estate platforms like Zillow and Redfin function as a vast real estate marketplace for consumers. They operate by aggregating listing data from thousands of sources. Their primary data source is the MLS, but they pull information through syndication feeds, which can cause delays. This is a key difference from the MLS, which is the direct source of the data itself.

Zillow supplements its MLS data with FSBO listings and other user-submitted information. Its business model relies on selling advertising and leads to agents. When you inquire about a property, your information is often sent to a "Premier Agent" who has paid for that lead.

Redfin, on the other hand, functions as a brokerage. Inquiries on its platform are routed to its in-house agents or partner agents. Its revenue comes from commissions on real estate transactions it facilitates. While both platforms provide valuable search tools, the potential for delayed or mixed-source data means they may not be as accurate or up-to-the-minute as the MLS itself.

Key Differences Between MLS and Real Estate Websites

The core differences between the MLS and a consumer real estate website boil down to accuracy, access, and purpose. The MLS is a private, professional tool designed for cooperation among agents, serving as the primary source for the most accurate and timely property listings.

In contrast, websites like Zillow and Redfin are public-facing advertising platforms that aggregate MLS listings and other data for a broad audience. Understanding these distinctions in listing management, data sources, and update speed is crucial for anyone involved in a real estate transaction.

Who Manages Listings on Each Platform

The management of listings varies significantly between the MLS and public platforms. On the MLS, the listing agent has complete control and responsibility for the listing. As a member of a real estate brokerage, this agent inputs all the MLS data, from photos and descriptions to private remarks for other agents. This direct access ensures that the person who knows the property best is managing the information.

On Zillow and Redfin, the management is less direct. These platforms pull data from MLS feeds, so the initial information comes from the listing agent. However, the display and lead routing are controlled by the platform. For example, Zillow allows Premier Agents to be the primary contact on a listing, not necessarily the listing agent. Redfin routes inquiries to its own agents. This is why real estate agents use MLS services; it ensures they control their listings and can represent their clients directly.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Platform	Who Manages the Listing?
MLS	The licensed listing agent who represents the seller has direct control.
Zillow	Data is pulled from the MLS, but the platform controls the display. Owners can also post FSBO listings directly.
Redfin	Data is pulled from the MLS. Redfin controls lead routing to its own agents or partners. Homeowners cannot post directly.

Data Sources for MLS vs. Zillow and Redfin

The source of data is a critical point of difference. The MLS is the primary source. All MLS data is entered directly by licensed real estate agents who are bound by rules of accuracy and professionalism. This creates a reliable and standardized database that serves as the foundation for market trends analysis and valuations.

Zillow and Redfin, conversely, are data aggregators. Their main source is the MLS, but they don't always get a direct, real-time feed. They receive listing data through syndication agreements, which can vary in speed and completeness. To enrich their content, they also pull from public records for tax history and past sales, and Zillow even includes user-submitted data like FSBO listings.

This mixed-source approach means the listing data on Zillow and Redfin might not always be as pure or current as the information inside the MLS. While they provide a broad overview, the most trustworthy information comes directly from the source that agents use every day, the MLS. This is why MLS listings are considered more up-to-date and accurate.

Speed and Frequency of Listing Updates

In a fast-moving real estate market, the speed of listing updates is everything. The MLS feed is the gold standard for real-time information. When an agent updates a listing's status to "under contract" or changes the price, it reflects almost instantly for all other agents with MLS access. This ensures that professionals are working with the most current real estate data.

Public websites, however, experience delays. The frequency of their updates depends on their syndication agreements with various MLS boards. While some updates happen quickly, others can take hours or even a full day to appear. This lag is why you might find a home on Zillow that looks like one of the active listings, only to learn from your agent that it sold yesterday.

Here’s how they generally compare:

• MLS: Updates are effectively instantaneous for member agents.

• Redfin: Near real-time in markets where it has a direct brokerage presence, but slower elsewhere.

• Zillow: Updates multiple times a day, but delays of several hours are common, leading to outdated listing data.

Coverage and Geographic Reach

When it comes to coverage, there's a fundamental difference between the structure of the MLS and online portals. The MLS is not a single, national entity; it's a network of over 500 separate, local MLS organizations, each serving a specific city or region. These are governed by rules set by bodies like the National Association of Realtors.

In contrast, platforms like Zillow and Redfin aim for nationwide reach, providing property listings for nearly every zip code. This broad but sometimes less detailed coverage contrasts with the deep, localized data of a local MLS. We'll examine these geographic differences more closely.

National MLS vs. Regional MLS Services

A common misconception is that there is one giant "national MLS" that all agents use. In reality, the real estate industry in the United States is supported by a patchwork of hundreds of regional MLS services. Each regional MLS or local MLS is an independent organization that serves a specific geographic area, like a county or metropolitan area.

There is no single national database. The difference between a national MLS and a regional one is that the former doesn't truly exist. Agents join and pay dues to their local MLS to access listings in that specific market. While many of these systems share data through partnership agreements, they remain separate entities.

Organizations like the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) work to create universal data standards, making it easier for these different systems to "talk" to each other and share information with technology platforms. However, the structure remains decentralized, ensuring that listing data is managed by local experts familiar with their market.

Regional Variations: New York and California MLS Services

The decentralized nature of MLS systems is very apparent in large states like New York and California. These states have multiple MLSs, each serving different regions and cities. For example, in California, an agent in San Francisco might belong to the San Francisco Association of Realtors' MLS (SFARMLS), while an agent in Los Angeles would use the California Regional MLS (CRMLS).

Despite being separate, many of these MLS systems have reciprocal agreements. An agent in San Francisco can often search for properties in other parts of California, from Sacramento to Monterey, through their primary MLS portal. This is crucial for agents who work across different areas or who have clients interested in investment properties in other cities.

Popular MLS services in these states, like CRMLS in Southern California or OneKey® MLS in New York, are powerful platforms that manage a massive volume of listings. Their influence on the local real estate market is immense, as they are the central hub for nearly all transactions conducted by licensed agents in those bustling regions.

Zillow and Redfin National Listings

Unlike the regional MLS structure, a major selling point for Zillow and Redfin is their national listings database. These real estate platforms aggregate data from across the country to offer a coast-to-coast search experience through their websites and mobile apps. This is a key difference from the MLS, which is inherently local.

Zillow boasts coverage in approximately 99% of U.S. ZIP codes, making it a go-to real estate website for getting a broad sense of market trends anywhere in the country. Even in rural areas with limited agent activity, you can often find a "Zestimate" and some basic property information.

Redfin's national presence is strong but more focused.

• It has the deepest and most up-to-date data in major metropolitan areas where it operates its own brokerage, like Seattle and Boston.

• In less-served regions, its data may be less comprehensive than Zillow's.

• This approach means that for a buyer in a big city, Redfin might offer a superior experience, while a buyer in a small town might find Zillow to be the only platform with any data at all.

Listing Properties on MLS versus Online Platforms

Getting your home in front of potential buyers involves different processes depending on the platform. To get MLS listings, home sellers must work with a licensed real estate professional. This is the traditional and most effective route for maximum exposure within the real estate community.

Online platforms, however, sometimes offer a more direct path. Some allow owners to post their own property listings, though this comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let's look at how homes are listed on each and what the requirements are for home sellers.

How Homes Are Listed on an MLS

To list a home on the MLS, a homeowner must first hire a licensed real estate agent. The process begins with signing a listing agreement, a contract that grants the listing agent the authority to represent the seller and market the property. This agreement outlines the commission, listing price, and other terms.

Once the agreement is signed, the agent gathers all the necessary property details. This includes taking professional photos, measuring square footage, writing compelling descriptions, and confirming key features. The agent then uses their exclusive access to log in to the local MLS and create the new listing, inputting all the necessary information.

You cannot list your property yourself on an MLS service; you must use a licensed agent. This is why real estate agents use MLS services. It is an exclusive tool that provides broad market exposure for their clients' properties, helping to secure the best possible market value by reaching the largest audience of motivated buyers' agents.

Requirements for Homeowners and Agents

The requirements for listing a home on the MLS are clear and are designed to maintain the integrity of the system. For home sellers, the primary requirement is a formal relationship with a real estate agent. This is established through a signed listing agreement.

For agents, the requirements are more stringent. To gain access to and post on the MLS, an individual must be a licensed real estate professional and a member in good standing of the local MLS organization, like One Percent Listing Group Inc.. This involves paying dues and adhering to a strict code of ethics and rules.

Here are the key requirements:

• Homeowners: Must sign a listing agreement with a licensed real estate agent.

• Agents: Must hold a valid real estate license in their state.

• Agents: Must be a dues-paying member of a local or regional MLS.

Because you need an agent with a licensed real estate background, you cannot list your property on the MLS by yourself through traditional means. The system is built for professional use only.

Flat Fee MLS Services Explained

So, are there options if you want to sell your home yourself but still get it on the MLS? Yes, this is where flat fee MLS services come in. These services are a hybrid approach for "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) home sellers. Instead of paying traditional real estate commissions, a seller pays a one-time flat fee to a licensed broker.

In exchange for this fee, the broker will list the property on the local MLS on the seller's behalf. This gets the FSBO listings the same exposure to buyer's agents as a traditionally listed home. However, this service typically only covers the listing itself. The homeowner is still responsible for managing showings, negotiations, and all the paperwork involved in the sale.

This is the closest you can get to listing your property yourself on the MLS. While you technically still need a licensed broker to make the entry, a flat fee MLS service allows you to retain control over the rest of the sales process and avoid a full commission. It’s a popular choice for experienced sellers who are comfortable handling their own transactions.

Benefits of Using a Multiple Listing Service

Using the Multiple Listing Service offers significant advantages that are central to the real estate business. For home sellers, it provides unparalleled exposure, which is crucial for maximizing a property's value. For buyers, it ensures their real estate agent has access to a comprehensive and accurate inventory of available homes.

The MLS is more than just a database; it’s a collaborative framework that benefits everyone involved in a transaction, from buyers and sellers to the agents who represent them. Let's examine some of the key benefits more closely.

Visibility for Sellers and Agents

The single greatest benefit of the MLS for sellers is visibility. When a home is entered into the MLS, its property listings are instantly broadcast to thousands of local agents who are actively working with motivated home buyers. This massive exposure is something that no standalone marketing effort can easily replicate.

This widespread visibility ensures that your property is seen by every potential buyer being represented by an agent in your area. This increases competition for your home, which can lead to more offers and a higher final sale price, helping you achieve the best possible market value. Without the MLS, you are limiting your audience to only those who happen to see your sign or online ad.

The main benefits for sellers include:

• Maximum Exposure: Your home is marketed to a vast network of buyer's agents.

• Higher Sale Price: Increased competition often drives up the price.

• Faster Sale: A larger pool of buyers can lead to a quicker transaction.

Also Read - How Does an MLS Listing Increase Your Property's Visibility?

Enhanced Search Features for Buyers

While home buyers cannot directly log into the MLS themselves, they benefit immensely from its powerful search capabilities through their real estate agent. The MLS contains dozens of detailed search fields that go far beyond what public websites offer. This allows an agent to conduct highly specific searches to find the perfect home for their client.

An agent can filter properties by a huge range of criteria, including school districts, specific property features like a swimming pool or a fireplace, exact square footage, and much more. This level of detail ensures that buyers don't waste time looking at homes that don't meet their needs. The user experience for an agent on the MLS is tailored for professional, granular searches.

So, how can home buyers search for properties using an MLS service? They collaborate with their agent, who can set up a personalized search portal linked directly to the MLS. This portal automatically emails the buyer new listings that match their criteria the moment they hit the market, giving them a competitive edge.

Collaboration Among Real Estate Professionals

The MLS is built on a foundation of cooperation among real estate professionals. It creates a structured environment where agents agree to work together for the benefit of their clients. This sharing of information is governed by a strict code of ethics and rules of cooperation, which ensures a level playing field and fair dealings.

When a listing agent posts a property, they also include an offer of compensation to the buyer's agent who brings the successful buyer. This guaranteed cooperation incentivizes all agents to show all available listings, regardless of which brokerage listed them. This is a huge benefit for sellers, as it ensures their home is shown by the maximum number of agents.

This collaborative system benefits everyone:

• Sellers: Gain access to the entire pool of buyers represented by agents.

• Buyers: Get to see all available homes on the market that fit their needs.

• Agents: Can efficiently serve their clients and are assured of compensation for their work.

Also Read - 17 Myths and Misconceptions About the MLS

Security, Privacy, and Data Accuracy

In an age of widespread information, data accuracy and privacy are more important than ever. The MLS is designed with these principles at its core. As a private, professional system, it has stringent rules to ensure the listing data is accurate and secure. This is a stark contrast to public websites, which often mix verified data with information from unvetted sources.

This focus on integrity means that the MLS listings contain sensitive information that is protected from the general public, safeguarding the privacy of both buyers and sellers. We'll now look at how the MLS upholds these high standards.

MLS Data Integrity and Verification Processes

The MLS prioritizes data accuracy far more than public-facing websites. Every piece of MLS data is entered by a licensed listing agent who is held accountable for its truthfulness. MLS boards have staff and automated systems that perform verification checks to ensure listings comply with the rules.

If an agent enters incorrect information, they can face warnings, fines, or even suspension of their MLS access. This accountability is a fundamental difference compared to platforms like Zillow, where data can come from various sources, including homeowners themselves, without the same level of verification. The Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) also helps by creating data dictionaries that standardize terms across the industry, further improving data consistency.

This rigorous process means that when an agent pulls information from the MLS, they can trust that the details from square footage to property taxes are as accurate as possible. This reliability is crucial for pricing homes correctly and advising clients.

Privacy Considerations for Buyers and Sellers

Privacy is another area where the MLS stands apart from public websites. Since MLS listings are only accessible to licensed professionals, sellers can share sensitive information without it becoming public knowledge. This is a key aspect of how the MLS is different from Zillow or Redfin, where all information is displayed for anyone to see.

For example, an MLS listing contains private agent-only remarks. This section can include important details for a buyer's agent that a seller’s agent wouldn't want to advertise publicly.

Important private details often found only in the MLS include:

• Showing Instructions: Specific times for showings or alarm codes.

• Seller Disclosures: Confidential information about the property's condition.

• Contact Information: The seller's direct contact details are kept private, with communication flowing through agents.

This layered approach to information protects the privacy and security of homeowners while still providing buyer's agents with the details they need to do their jobs effectively.

Listing Accuracy on Redfin and Zillow

While Redfin and Zillow are incredibly useful tools, their listing accuracy can sometimes be a concern. Both platforms pull their listing data primarily from MLS feeds, but the syndication process can introduce delays. A home might be sold or have a price change in the MLS, but this update could take hours to reflect on Zillow or Redfin.

This can lead to "stale" listings, where a property appears available when it is already under contract. Additionally, Zillow's home value estimates, or "Zestimates," are based on a proprietary algorithm that includes public data and recent sales, but they are not always accurate and can differ significantly from a home's true market value.

Redfin's estimates are often considered slightly more accurate because of its direct MLS access in key markets, but both should be treated as starting points, not official appraisals. The most up-to-date and accurate property listings will always be found directly within the MLS, as provided by a real estate agent.

Also Read - 75 Important Real Estate Terms to Know

Accessing the MLS Without a Real Estate Agent

Many home buyers wonder if they can get direct access to MLS data without hiring a real estate agent. While full, professional-level access is reserved for licensed members, the lines have blurred in recent years. Some MLS boards now offer public-facing search tools to give consumers a taste of what the MLS offers.

However, these options come with significant limitations. True access to the most detailed and timely information still requires a partnership with a real estate agent. Let's explore the ways you can and cannot access the MLS on your own.

Public MLS Search Tools

In response to the popularity of third-party portals, some MLS organizations have launched their own public MLS search tools. These are websites or mobile apps run by the local MLS board that allow the public to search for MLS listings directly. This is one way home buyers can search for properties using an MLS service without going through an agent's specific portal first.

These platforms often provide more timely and accurate listing data than national aggregators because the information comes straight from the source. They are a great way to get a feel for the local market and see what’s available.

However, even these public-facing tools are a simplified version of the real thing.

They are designed to give consumers a better search experience while still encouraging them to connect with a licensed agent to get the full picture, schedule showings, and make an offer. If you're not ready to hire an agent, searching for a "public MLS" in your city is a good first step.

Limitations for Non-Agents Using MLS

Even if you use a public-facing MLS search tool, your access is limited. The full version of the MLS contains a wealth of confidential information that is only visible to licensed real estate agents. This is a key reason why working with a professional is so valuable.

If you are not an agent, you will not have access to crucial details that can influence a buying decision. The best way to access the complete information in an MLS service is to partner with a real estate agent who can share these insights with you.

Limitations for non-agents typically include:

• Agent-Only Remarks: You can't see private notes from the listing agent to other agents, which might include showing instructions or negotiation tips.

• Complete Sales History: Detailed history of a property, including previous listing prices and days on market for expired listings, is often hidden.

• Agent and Seller Information: Contact information and other private details are not displayed to the public.

Alternative Platforms for Direct Buyer Access

If you want direct access to property listings without engaging an agent right away, consumer-facing real estate platforms are your best bet. Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor are the most popular alternatives. These sites are designed for public use and provide a wealth of information in a user-friendly format.

These platforms aggregate millions of property listings, including many MLS listings, and allow you to search and filter them based on your preferences. While the data may not be as timely or complete as a direct MLS feed, they are an excellent resource for initial research.

In addition to these major portals, you can also find listings on social media marketplaces or smaller, niche real estate websites. However, for the most comprehensive and reliable view of the market, these platforms are still secondary to the information your real estate agent can provide directly from the MLS. They serve as a great starting point, but not the final word.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the key differences between the MLS and platforms like Zillow or Redfin is essential for anyone navigating the real estate landscape. The MLS offers a more comprehensive and accurate representation of available listings, coupled with greater privacy and data integrity. While Zillow and Redfin provide user-friendly interfaces and broad access to listings, they may lack the depth and reliability found within the MLS framework. By leveraging the strengths of each platform, buyers and sellers can enhance their real estate experience.

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MLS Vs. Zillow or Redfin FAQ

Can I list my own property on the MLS service, or do I need an agent?

No, you cannot list your own property directly on the MLS. Access is restricted to licensed real estate agents. However, home sellers can use a flat fee MLS service, where you pay a listing agent a flat rate to put your home on the MLS without providing full representation.

How up-to-date are MLS listings compared to websites like Zillow or Redfin?

MLS listings are the most up-to-date, with changes reflecting almost instantly for member agents. Real estate platforms like Zillow and Redfin pull their listing data from the MLS, but there are often delays of several hours or more, meaning the information can be stale or inaccurate.

Are there flat fee MLS options for sellers?

Yes, flat fee MLS services are available for home sellers. This option allows you to pay a one-time fee to a licensed broker who will enter your property into the MLS. It's a popular choice for FSBO listings, giving them broad exposure without a full commission-based listing agreement.

What is the difference between a national MLS and a regional MLS service?

There is no single national MLS in the United States. The real estate industry operates on a network of over 500 independent regional and local MLS services. Each one serves a specific geographic area, though many share data to provide broader market coverage for their member agents.