I built this widget that enables users to search on MLS IDs. No big deal. The last time I went shopping for a home the MLS numbers were listed on the FOR SALE signs, I thought.

After looking around a bit today I noticed this number was not on any of the for sale signs.

My questions -- I found two homes for sale -- and when I tried to get more information from Realtor.com there was none. I even had the street address. Why is it so hard for a buyer to find more information about a specific home for sale? Yes, the listing realtor was noted on the sign but when I tried to call she-- wasn't available. Why can't I research -- as a buyer without the realtor?

Yes, I am asking as a software developer. That said, wouldn't the listing realtor still get credit for a sale even if I as a buyer-- did some research up front?

Just because you looked in the wrong place doesn't mean it doesn't exist. You can search by address, partial address, or just the house number on our website. You went to probably (in my opinion) the worst website for searching for real estate. Realtor.com has the habit of keeping old expired/sold listings way too long, and not getting new listing on there quick enough, and when they finally do, you only get one picture unless the agent has opted for an "enhanced" listing. Find a good local Realtor's website with a good MLS search, and you'll find all the info you need.

Of course, all this is for not... if that listing agent opts out of IDX. Then THE ONLY place you will find information about that listing is on the "real" MLS that only Realtors have access to.

okay, my questions--

In the world of high gas prices and the Internet, if a buyer wants to see the spec sheet, i.e., the "real" MLS entry, before enlisting the help of a realtor [or wasting a realtor's time] why is this not a good thing for the listing realtor.

When a home owner decides to list with a realtor isn't there some sort of legal binder to prevent the home owner from selling without the realtor of record? And if there is a realtor of record [listing agent] how could providing this access, hurt his potential for commission on the sale.

Weren't these numbers [MLS IDs] available in the past on the sale sign -- in case a buyer already had a realtor? Then there would be a split commission, right? How does providing access to this information change who gets the commission?

"How does providing access to this information change who gets the commission?"

It doesn't. What makes you think anyone's trying to hide this information? Just because a MLS number isn't on the sign? If they have a Realtor or not, you can still get the information using the address. Usually the MLS number is right on the flyer... and most agents I know try to keep the flyer box full.

I guess the bottom line is... You built a widget to search on something that is not redily available (the MLS number), and you think we're doing something wrong? Maybe you should build a widget that can search on something that is more obvious, like the street address.

The rules are different in each area but the "real" MLS listing is often written using abbreviations and codes the would not be understood unless explained by a REALTOR. The listing also contains the owners contact information and one reason owners hire Realtors is so they do not have to talk to buyers - they want their REALTOR to do that. Owners do not want you to see the "real" MLS

As for MLS listing numbers on signs - I think you are mistaken. I have never heard of such a thing and doubt anyone (other than one or two agents in any given area) would do it as it would require a special sign be made for every listing. Signs are designed to be used over and over again. You may have seen a special code on signs which is not an MLS number but a code that is entered when phoning to get information on the listing.

I know that I'm a half month late on this reply, but it caught my eye nonetheless.

To me, Realtor.com is more of a marketing tool advantageous to the listing agent. In a warm/hot market, the dream house on realtor.com that a potential buyer is looking at is probably already under contract.

As far as MLS numbers are concerned, the MLS is also used a marketing tool. Just because you have a listing/marketing agreement, doesn't mean it HAS to be on the MLS. Personally, I have several properties that have an MLS exclusion, but the listing is with my office. Some people are like, "why do that?" In my case, it worked for me and my builders to do so. Why draw out a listing market time on the MLS when I can have an MLS exclusion and put my sign out there. Granted, board rules are different in each board. I'm trying to give the best advantage for my clients. It worked for me in the past.

I think Realtor.com is pointless, the truth is everyone who is a realtor is automatically listed on there whether you pay for advertisement or not. So what's the point of advertising on there-you just quadrupled your competition. I'm listed with homes.com, and they update their listings three times a day from the MLS. I am really happy with them last month, I got 15 leads- a slow month. But I usually get like 24 leads a month. Which is great for me.

The MLS is a proprietory tool designed by and for organized realestate. That should answer your question.

You can, but you'll have to develop your own tools

As far as geting information; most MLS have a public serch site that you can search for the property. As with all information the answer to our questions are never hidden, we just need to ask the right question sometimes. The same goes for the internet.