Millions of dollars have been spent to develop the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). An MLS is a private offer of cooperation and compensation by listing brokers to other real estate brokers.

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Today, through more than 800 MLS's, brokers share information on properties they have listed and invite other brokers to cooperate in their sale in exchange for compensation if they produce the buyer.

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Sellers benefit by increased exposure to their property. Buyers benefit because they can obtain information about all MLS-listed properties while working with only one broker.

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The real estate market is competitive, and the business is unique in that competitors must also cooperate with each other to ensure a successful transaction. MLS systems facilitate that cooperation.