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Susan Brown of Chestnut Park Real Estate: Understanding the benefits of the MLS® system


Blog by Susan Brown | June 9th, 2017


I am often asked “What does MLS® stand for?”, or “Why should I list my property on the MLS®?” and “What is the difference between an ‘exclusive’ listing and an ‘MLS® listing’?”

I advise my Sellers it is almost always to their benefit to list their property on the MLS® because of the vast exposure their listing will get in the open real estate market as opposed to an ‘exclusive’ listing.

What is an exclusive listing?

An exclusive listing is when the listing agreement is with the listing brokerage and does not have the exposure of an MLS® listing to the open market. Although most brokerages will still cooperate with another brokerage to sell an exclusively-listed property the listing simply doesn’t get the exposure that an MLS® listing will have.

What does MLS® stand for

MLS® stands for Multiple Listing Service. When you list your property on the MLS® it can be automatically uploaded to many third-party web sites as well as be available for all REALTORS® to easily access. The single largest benefit to listing on the MLS® is the vast market exposure.
The first data entry program for the MLS® System in Muskoka was in the late 1980’s. At that time, REALTORS® relied on printed books that were updated weekly and daily ‘hot sheets’ that were distributed to all the offices by fax (which had just been invented!). None of the agents had computers in those days.

The first on-line MLS® System was implemented in 2000 but the blue books that we referred to were continued right up to early 2010, although most agents had stopped using the books long before then because they were outdated so quickly.

The difference between Realtor.ca® and the MLS® system

Today everything is on-line. The REALTOR’S® MLS® System is somewhat different from Realtor.ca® which is the public web site that most buyers today turn to first in their search for a property. I am constantly surprised that the public isn’t aware of the difference between the information on Realtor. ca® and the much more extensive information on our REALTOR’S® MLS® System. To access the MLS® one must be a member of our local Real Estate Board whereas anyone can access Realtor.ca®.

Just some of the extra information that is available on the MLS® to REALTORS® are things like the current year’s taxes, MPAC Assessment information, the legal description of the property, Sellers’ information and other documents (such as surveys) that might be helpful in understanding the property or preparing an offer.

We have come a long way since the early days of the MLS® in Muskoka. I’ve included in this article some old listings that our Board was kind enough to provide, from the very early days of organized real estate in Muskoka.

Susan Brown of Chestnut Park Real Estate: Understanding the benefits of the MLS® system


I am often asked “What does MLS® stand for?”, or “Why should I list my property on the MLS®?” and “What is the difference between an ‘exclusive’ listing and an ‘MLS® listing’?”

I advise my Sellers it is almost always to their benefit to list their property on the MLS® because of the vast exposure their listing will get in the open real estate market as opposed to an ‘exclusive’ listing.

What is an exclusive listing?

An exclusive listing is when the listing agreement is with the listing brokerage and does not have the exposure of an MLS® listing to the open market. Although most brokerages will still cooperate with another brokerage to sell an exclusively-listed property the listing simply doesn’t get the exposure that an MLS® listing will have.

What does MLS® stand for?

MLS® stands for Multiple Listing Service. When you list your property on the MLS® it can be automatically uploaded to many third-party web sites as well as be available for all REALTORS® to easily access. The single largest benefit to listing on the MLS® is the vast market exposure.

The first data entry program for the MLS® System in Muskoka was in the late 1980’s. At that time, REALTORS® relied on printed books that were updated weekly and daily ‘hot sheets’ that were distributed to all the offices by fax (which had just been invented!). None of the agents had computers in those days.

The first on-line MLS® System was implemented in 2000 but the blue books that we referred to were continued right up to early 2010, although most agents had stopped using the books long before then because they were outdated so quickly.

The difference between Realtor.ca® and the MLS® system

Today everything is on-line. The REALTOR’S® MLS® System is somewhat different from Realtor.ca® which is the public web site that most buyers today turn to first in their search for a property. I am constantly surprised that the public isn’t aware of the difference between the information on Realtor. ca® and the much more extensive information on our REALTOR’S® MLS® System. To access the MLS® one must be a member of our local Real Estate Board whereas anyone can access Realtor.ca®.

Just some of the extra information that is available on the MLS® to REALTORS® are things like the current year’s taxes, MPAC Assessment information, the legal description of the property, Sellers’ information and other documents (such as surveys) that might be helpful in understanding the property or preparing an offer.

We have come a long way since the early days of the MLS® in Muskoka. I’ve included in this article some old listings that our Board was kind enough to provide, from the very early days of organized real estate in Muskoka.

Be sure to contact your REALTOR® to help with buying or selling a property. We have a wealth of information at our fingertips through the MLS® System.

Contact me to find out more about this and other perfect properties!

Susan has been a full time REALTOR® and real estate broker in Huntsville, Ontario and Lake of Bays area since 1990. Her experience and knowledge have proven invaluable to her clients. To see how other Buyers and Sellers have found working with Susan as their REALTOR® view her testimonials.

Susan brings a high degree of integrity and professionalism to her career in Real Estate. She has pride in her reputation and is dedicated to hard work, honesty and providing quality service and total client satisfaction. Susan has been a consistent award winner for high volume sales in her profession.

As an experienced REALTOR® , Susan has been interviewed by Global TV, The National Post, The Globe & Mail and CTV News regarding real estate trends in the Muskoka area. Recently she was interviewed by CBC News and  appeared on national television as CBC celebrated their 75th anniversary. Watch Susan’s bio video here.

Susan has also earned the professional designation of SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) and enjoys working with seniors in all price brackets for all types of property. Although Chestnut Park and Susan Brown are probably  best known for selling luxury waterfront properties in the Huntsville/Lake of Bays area, Susan likes working with Buyers & Sellers in all price ranges  and with all types of real estate: condos, residential homes not on water,  and rustic cottages,  as well as high-end luxury waterfront properties in the Huntsville/Lake of Bays area.

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