MLS Searches

MLS has some great features for agents and buyers. MLSPIN, Massachusetts' Multiple Listing Service, has upgraded their system over the past 10 years with some powerful tools. The most useful tool (aside from being able to view all properties on the market) is the Client tool. This tool allows agents to input a client's email address and criteria and every morning the clients receive a list of new and moving properties that fit their criteria. It is great, it saves us time and it allows the client to log in and search the listings as well.

Here is the caveat. MLS is just a big database and it follows all database rules. The #1 rule of databases is "garbage in-garbage out." And it seems to me that there is more and more garbage these days. My biggest pet peeve is agents listing their properties without identifying the neighborhood/area. More and more properties are being listed as just "Boston" instead of "Boston:Dorchester." This is sloppy and evident of an agent unfamiliar with the area or MLS. Either of which is bad news for sellers and buyers.

Here's why. Because there are so many properties on the market, in the client tool, an agent will set them up to send only properties in the area they are interested in. So if your property is listed as "Boston" and not "Boston:Dorchester" my clients do not receive your property in the email, we may only see it after driving by and seeing it.

Here's some numbers to help you understand:
MLS Condos in Boston - 2443
MLS Condos in Boston:Dorchester - 323
With 323 condos just in Dorchester and thousands in all of Boston, how do we even know your listing exists if you don't identify the neighborhood, don't participate in the Broker tour or don't send emails to local brokers?

I see this mistake quite often from the entry only FSBO listings and out-of-town brokers.