Sarasota MLS Sarasota MLS QuickLink
What is the Sarasota Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and how do I use it?
Essentially, the primary purpose of the Sarasota MLS is to provide a facility to publish a "unilateral offer of compensation" by a listing broker, to other broker participants in that MLS. In other words, the commission rate that is offered by the listing broker is published within the Sarasota MLS (now the Mid-Florida Regional MLS) to other cooperating brokers. This offer of compensation is considered a contractual obligation; however it can be negotiated between the listing broker and the broker representing the buyer. Since the commission for a transaction, as well as the property features, are contained in the MLS system; it is in the best interests of the broker participants (and thereby the public) to maintain accurate and timely data.
The additional benefit of the Sarasota MLS system is that an MLS subscriber may search the MLS system and retrieve information about all homes for sale by all participating brokers. MLS systems contain hundreds of fields of information about the features of a property. These fields are determined by real estate professionals who are knowledgeable and experienced in that local marketplace. Whereas public real estate websites contain only a small subset of property data.
Recently the Sarasota MLS became part of a larger network of MLS databases. By doing this, it enables sellers and buyers of real estate to expand their opportunities to either sell their home or find a new one. For instance, perhaps you are selling your home in Bradenton and want to buy a home on Siesta Key. You have found a great agent to help you in Bradenton and would like to continue to use them in the purchase of your new home. Your Bradenton agent now has the ability to search and send you properties on Siesta Key, whereas before they would have had to be members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors to do this. Albeit, some agents may have had this dual membership – most did not. Now, it is not an issue; your Bradenton agent can help you find the home of your dream in Sarasota and sell that home to you as well. Another option is that they refer you to a Buyer’s Agent in Sarasota and still get paid their referral fee for doing so…not by you, but by the Sarasota agent. This system works great too for sellers because now their properties can be searched by thousands of agents all over the east and west coasts of Florida and central Florida as well.
So what areas does the new Mid-Florida Regional MLS cover?
The following 8 Member Associations:
____________________________________________________________________________________ Step 1 – Click on the “Search the Sarasota MLS” button from our home page. Other area search criteria include zip code and MLS number. When searching by zip code, ensure that you know exactly what areas you want to live in and include all zip codes for that area. If you have an MLS number that you obtained from a home magazine or the internet, you may specifically search that property only with the MLS search. If you have additional search criteria and would really like to narrow down your search, then you may continue on to the “Advanced Search” tab. As you can see, you have quite a few more search options on this page. In addition to what is shown in this particular screen shot, you have the additional options to search by address and subdivision. We have 205 Sarasota properties that meet these criteria and they are all mapped out for us as well. Let’s go ahead and click on the first property to see what details are offered to us… Screen Shot#1 Screen Shot#2 All of your Saved Listings will now be displayed in a format similar to how your search results are displayed. This capability is VERY convenient and keeps you from having to search properties over and over again. Sincerely, Ricardo “Ric” del Vizo Sarasota Foreclosures Now Coffey & Company Realty
Bartow Association of Realtors
East Polk County Association of Realtors
Greater Lake County Association of Realtors
Greater Orlando Association of Realtors
Greater Tampa Association of Realtors
Lakeland Association of Realtors
Orlando Regional Realtor Association
Osceola County Association of Realtors
Here is a quick tutorial on how you can get the
best results from your search of the Sarasota MLS:
You may also click on any of the “Sarasota MLS QuickLink” buttons located throughout our site.
Step 2 - Quick Search.
Once you have clicked on one of the Sarasota MLS links, you will be directed to my Sarasota property search page. The first page is for a property “Quick Search”. From here you may enter some basic search criteria that include: area to search, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, property type and price range.
*Tip – Unless you know that you want to live in a specific area like Lakewood Ranch or Siesta Key, I recommend that you search by “County” to maximize your search results.
Step 3 – Advanced Search.
For the purposes of this tutorial, I have decided to search minimum 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom single family homes, between $200-$400K, a minimum of 1,500sf, built after 2000, with a pool and a garage. Let’s hit the “Search Now” button and see what we come up with…
Once you click on a property, you will be provided with much more information, pictures and tools. Take a look at Screen Shot #1. As you can see, you are provided with additional pictures and other options regarding this property. You can save it, request more info, schedule a showing, or map it. Some tools provided will help you to see what your payments might be like, apply for financing, or share the property with friends and family to get their input.
Let’s go ahead and look at Screen Shot#2…
Here you will find a detailed property description, lot size, pool details, subdivision, etc.
Ok, so you like the property and want to save it to your favorites. It only makes sense to register (if you have not already done so) at this point. You will be provided with your own web page to save, search, share, and view your properties with ease and convenience. Let’s go ahead and hit the “Save Listing” button…
The RED “Save Listing” has now turned GREEN and states “Listing Saved”
We can now click on the “My Listings” Tab, where we will be taken to all of our saved listings…
The key to this simplified Sarasota MLS search (and other areas) is to simply navigate your way around and try different searches and buttons. I think that you will find our search pages extremely easy to use and a very efficient means by which to conduct your home search. Always remember, that you can contact me any time to discuss your search or answer any questions that you may have. I hope this short tutorial has helped and I look forward to assisting you in finding your next Sarasota area home or investment property!
Sarasota, Florida
1626 Ringling Blvd., Suite 510
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Office: 941-487-6981
Fax: 941-487-1231
E-Mail: info@sarasotaforeclosuresnow.com