TL;DR
- The MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is a private database where real estate agents list homes for sale.
- It powers the information you see on sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, though those sites may show outdated or limited info.
- In our area, the two main MLS systems are RMLS and NWMLS. I belong to both, which means I can help buyers and sellers from Oregon City to Seattle and beyond.
- Some homes—especially in places like Vancouver, WA—benefit from being listed in both RMLS and NWMLS for maximum exposure.
- You can use whatever home search app you’re comfortable with. I’ll use the MLS to verify the details and give you deeper insights.
You might have heard the term “MLS” thrown around when talking about real estate. Maybe you’ve seen abbreviations like RMLS or NWMLS. Maybe you’ve wondered how sites like Zillow actually get their data. So let’s talk about what the MLS actually is, why it exists, and why it matters to you.
What Is the MLS?
MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. It’s a database where real estate agents list homes that are for sale, along with important information like square footage, features, offer deadlines, showing instructions, and more. It’s not a public-facing site—you can’t just hop on and browse—but it is the source of truth for nearly every home on the market. Think of the MLS as the controlled, professional-grade “stockroom” behind the public storefront.
Every home listed by a licensed real estate agent gets entered into the MLS their brokerage belongs to. From there, the listing data is pushed out (or “syndicated”) to public sites like Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, Homes.com, and others. These public sites are where most buyers begin their search.
And that’s totally okay. In fact, I encourage you to use the home search tools you’re most comfortable with. Trulia, Redfin, Homes.com and others do a great job aggregating listings from many different MLS systems across different areas. You’ll see homes from Portland, Astoria, Seattle, Bend, wherever!—all in one place.
That said, there are sometimes delays or gaps in what you see on those sites. A home may still appear “active” when it’s actually under contract. Or it may be missing updates or agent notes that are only visible within the MLS. That’s where I come in. When you send me a home you found online, I’ll look it up in the MLS to confirm the details, check for showing restrictions or offer timelines, and give you more context you might not see publicly. If you’d rather I do the searching for you, I can set up a search directly in the MLS and send listings straight to your inbox. Either way, you’re not expected to do this alone. You get to choose your search method, and I’ll take it from there.
What’s Up with RMLS and NWMLS?
In the Portland metro area (including Vancouver), there are two major MLS systems:
- RMLS (Regional Multiple Listing Service) covers most of Oregon and Southwest Washington. This is the system I use most often these days.
- NWMLS (Northwest MLS) is widely used across Washington state, especially around the Seattle area from Olympia up through Bellingham.
Because I’m a member of both RMLS and NWMLS, I can help clients on either side of the state line. This is especially helpful in Vancouver, WA—where homes may be listed in one system or the other depending on which agent or brokerage is handling the listing. Sometimes, a home in Vancouver or even Portland can benefit from being listed in both RMLS and NWMLS. Doing so increases the property’s exposure to more agents and buyers across the region. It’s a strategy I sometimes recommend when it makes sense for the home and the market.
Wait—There Are Even More MLSs?
Yes, actually. Even within Oregon and Washington, there are multiple MLS systems like Willamette Valley MLS, Lincoln County MLS, Cascades East MLS, Yakima MLS, and many many more (you get the picture).
Most homes will only be listed in one MLS, depending on where they are and which MLS the listing agent belongs to. But that’s okay—you don’t need to know the ins and outs of every system. That’s my job. What matters is that I can help you access homes across both RMLS and NWMLS, and give you the info you need when something catches your eye.
You Don’t Have to Know It All—That’s What I’m Here For
If you’re seeing unfamiliar terms while home shopping—like “RMLS,” “pending,” or “dual-listed”—know that it’s all part of the process. Your job is to dream about your next home. Mine is to interpret the details, check the fine print, and guide you every step of the way.
If you ever have questions about a listing, an MLS term, or whether something is really available, just send it to me. I’ll take care of the rest.
Ready to house-hunt your way? Let’s talk. Whether you like to browse listings on your phone at midnight or want a curated search from me, I’ve got you covered.
