What Is a Board of REALTORS®?
A local board of REALTORS® is an association of real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Members agree to follow the NAR Code of Ethics. Membership is voluntary and separate from being licensed by the state. See our guide to Florida real estate agents for the license side.
What Is the MLS?
A multiple listing service is a database of properties for sale that participating brokers use to share listings and find buyers for them. In the Tallahassee area, the MLS is operated by Capital Area Technology & Realtor Services, and it is associated with the local board. Brokers who participate can list properties there and show listings from other participating brokers.
Bespoke Realty of Tallahassee, Inc. participates in the Tallahassee MLS.
Why It Matters to Sellers
Listing on the MLS puts your home in front of participating agents and their buyers, and listing data is commonly shown on major real estate websites. It's one of the biggest reasons sellers list with a broker.
Why It Matters to Buyers
The MLS is generally the most complete and current source of homes for sale through brokers. A participating broker can search it for you with detailed filters, set up alerts, and arrange showings, even for homes listed by other brokerages.
What Membership Doesn't Tell You
Being a REALTOR® or an MLS participant doesn't tell you how good an agent is. Verify their license, check their record, and interview them.
Common Questions
Can anyone search the MLS directly?
Public websites display some MLS listings, but the full system is for participating professionals.
Are all homes for sale on the MLS?
Many are, but not all. Some are sold privately or by owner.
Is a REALTOR® the same as an agent?
Not exactly. A REALTOR® is a member of NAR. All agents need a state license.