I don't how it is in other states, but in Minnesota there are 12 different MLS areas. I belong to the Twin Cities area MLS and the St. Cloud Area MLS. Most of my business happens in the North Metro of the Twin Cities, but certainly I go to St. Cloud for a chunk of my business.
Last year my brother bought a house in Rochester, MN. Totally out of my area, however I still represented him on the purchase. Thankfully our MLS system has a Co-op that allows us to search the other areas. I spent a lot of time researching Rochester and sending my brother listings. It was over a year from the start of his search until he actually purchased.
Now I am doing the same thing with my sister. She is looking in Mankato and again that is not my area, but I will help her. Its nice to be able to get listing info through the MLS Co-op. Its also great that amost all listings are available to the public because she has been sending me homes she wants to see.
Perhaps one day it will be all one MLS per state or nation. For now I am thankful for the MLS Co-op.
Chuck Carstensen
Re/max Associates Plus inc.
612-290-3809
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