See Also: MLS Partner Sites (Understanding MLS Syndication to sites like Zillow and Realtor.com)
Above all, it is our goal to help buyers to find your property, and reach you as directly and easily as possible. Your listing will appear on many different websites, each with their own unique formatting, policies, and processes. As a result, the exact path a buyer takes to reach you can vary. The most common ways for buyers to reach you are as follows:
- Your contact information will be displayed in your MLS listing, with a message such as "Please contact seller directly for showings and inquiries at (123) 555-1234." (Please note that this will display in the Showing Instructions field, and is not allowed in the Property Description / Remarks by MLS policy).
- Some partnering websites have a policy to display the listing office information only - see "Why does my property information appear a certain way on (Realtor.com etc.)?". Anyone who calls our office line will be directed to you.
- A small percentage of buyers will complete an online form on a partnering website. When we receive Contact Request e-mails we will forward them to you promptly.
- Please note that the business models of some partner sites includes charging agents for prominent exposure and forwarding buyer inquiries to paying agents. The practices of these sites have at times been a source of concern and frustration for agents and sellers alike, and the best practices of MLS syndication are an ongoing debate within the industry. Just as we cannot go to a restaurant and change the menu, it important to understand that while enjoying advertising exposure on a third party site, we are playing by their rules.
- In general, any buyer who contacts us will be instructed to reach out to you directly.