Charlotte MLS
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Related Terms:Charlotte Real Estate, Charlotte NC Real Estate, Charlotte Realtor
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Charlotte MLS
Anyone who has even a passing interest in the real estate market has seen or heard the term ‘MLS.' But few consumers know exactly what the MLS is, or understand the important role it plays in the real estate industry. The Charlotte MLS system, also known as the Carolina Multiple Listing Service is a complex information-sharing and cooperative marketing network created by the Carolina Regional Realtors Association to help the public buy and sell homes. While it is computer based today, it began as an exchange of paper listing information and photographs. Many people are confused by all the advertisements that state you can "search the MLS." These advertisements are somewhat misleading. The MLS is only accesible by a Realtor that is a member of the system. When a member takes a listing, they have 48 hours to enter it into the system. They have the option to publish it to the IDX, which stands for Internet Data Exchange. The IDX is what is made searchable to the public. These type of listings contain limited information from the actual MLS listing. The IDX is not the same as the MLS and does not contain everything in the MLS, and may be out of date. The IDX is a good way to start doing research on your own. When you are serious about finding a home to purchase, you need to consult a Realtor for up to date MLS information.
