MLS Listing Accuracy? Why Accurate Listing Information Really Matters to Home Sellers and Buyers

You know it really is not difficult to do this job right. It takes the right mental attitude, attention to detail, a caring personality and the willingness to work. With that said why do so many listing agents from some of the biggest brokerage names, insist on listing their client's homes incorrectly in MLS?

How the Public MLS System Works

The number one question sellers need to ask of their prospective listing agent is this, how do buyers FIND their listing in MLS? The answer is rather simple actually, buyers enter their individual search criteria into any number of real estate websites and if your home fits their inputted description, you're on the short LIST! Unfortunately with many listing agents today, your home never makes "the list" because your listing contains easily correctable but inaccurate listing information. You see when buyers can't find your home because your listing criteria does not match their search input, even though your home is exactly what certain buyers are looking for, you stand a real chance that your days on market (DOM) will increase and after awhile buyers and their agents will begin to think there are problems and begin to avoid your home. Also the tendency is for listings to lose value the longer they are in MLS and even in a good seller's market your home could expire unsold and if that happens, your home will have to carry this failure to sell "record" for all to see and ask questions about, when it gets listed again. 

Time to Call it Like it is

Well, I'm calling Balderdash again and alerting sellers and prospective buyers to carefully examine all MLS listings regardless of the website your on because listing mistakes are everywhere, from starter homes to luxury homes. In fact, on this website, you'll notice when you compare listing photos (photos don't lie) to actual agent inputted listing information that oftentimes the photos shows images of a Study, Game room and Media room, while the listing lacks this critical floor plan information. Additionally, it is also common for listings to miss bedrooms and bathrooms or have them on the wrong floor, which changes your floor plan to prospective buyers and is the number one cause for unwanted showings that basically works to waste everyone's time. 

When you see such listings that are obviously incomplete and lack correct information perhaps you should make mental note so when it comes time to find a listing agent yourself, you'll at least know who to avoid.