Real estate brokers can use the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) to share information about property listings. The idea is an old one and goes back to the late 1800s when local brokers got together to talk about available properties. Commissions were provided as incentives for assistance in finalizing particular sales. While in this instance, the hand means the property, the arrangement between real estate brokers became the outgrowth of that old saying about “one hand washing the other”.

“Unilateral offers of compensation” are a sign of cooperation between brokers, as the rate of commission becomes a known detail through the MLS. A commission rate can still be negotiated between the listing broker and the buyer’s broker even though the rate of commission is thought to be a contractual obligation.

A myriad of benefits are exclusively awarded to those brokers who take part in MLS systems. Because it is in everyone’s best interests (including the public) to update all included data, the system is therefore, by its very nature, accurately maintained. MLS data about available homes for sale is freely obtained by any and all subscribing brokers. MLS data fields are fully detailed regarding facts about all listed properties unlike public real estate websites that feature only restricted facts about properties for sale.

Although MLS is criticized for its limited elements, things are gradually opening up as more and more Internet sites are allowing homebuyers access to certain sections of MLS listings. It is still not a unrestricted access by any means, as only those real estate agents who are compensated proportionately to the value of the sale have limitless access to the MLS database.

The economic belief of supply and demand in addition to the significance of establishing a stable market are considerations for the debate concerning whether real estate listings should be accessible to all. Public websites are vindicated in their complaints that they are held back in their ability to assess comparable properties by the fact that they cannot access past sales and monthly statistics.