What is the Omaha MLS?
The simple answer is MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service. An MLS is a network in which multiple real estate brokerages can advertise the properties that they are representing to other members of the network. In Omaha, Nebraska our MLS is the Great Plains Multiple Listing Service. We have just the one MLS. It covers not only Omaha but also the surrounding cities of Papillion, LaVista, Ralston, Bellevue, Springfield, Louisville, Fort Calhoun, Elkhorn, Gretna, Millard, Plattsmouth, Beaver Lake, and a handful of other towns that no one has heard of. Many larger cities might have multiple Multiple Listing Services (Would that make them MMLS's?) just within their one city.
Access to an MLS is generally restricted to Realtors or real estate licensees. In Omaha in order to be a member of the Great Plains Multiple Listing Service, you also need to be a member of the Omaha Area Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
Back in the old days (mid-1990's and earlier), the MLS consisted of a book of listings that was updated weekly. Every agent had a copy and they guarded it closely. It was sacred information, not for the public eye. Today, of course, technology has changed everything. MLS's are now digital databases and require sophisticated software to run. Until recently our MLS used Rapattoni as our MLS software provider but about two months ago the Omaha Area Board of Realtors decided to switch to Paragon. Why did they switch? Nobody knows, not even them. Rapattoni had more functionality, was easier to use, and was more reliable. Of course those that were in a position to make this decision never used the MLS so how were they supposed to make an informed decision? (Ask the agents that use the MLS, maybe? Nah, too easy.)
Comments(2)