How to Get the Most Out of Your MLS Search in Guelph, Ontario

Understanding MLS and Why It’s a Valuable Resource

Some buyers rely on third-party aggregators, but inaccuracy can quickly lead to frustration and moving slower than those using MLS in Guelph, Ontario. Before we dive into how to conduct an effective search, let’s quickly explore how MLS works and why it’s worth using.

What is MLS?

An MLS search allows you to browse listings from any agent or broker in the specific region rather than being required to search individually at different brokerages or rely on third-party aggregators.

The general idea behind MLS searches dates back to the 1800s when agents would share details of their listings with each other and also share compensation when a home was sold. This system benefited everyone, helping sellers, agents, and buyers alike.

The modern MLS search is digitized, streamlined, and designed to help you quickly explore a given area and start honing in on the right home. You can use robust search options with up-to-date information to find new listings at a great price or overlooked listings that perfectly meet your needs.

Valuable Benefits of Using MLS 

We’ve touched on some of the benefits of using MLS already, but let’s drill deeper into why they’re an often overlooked tool for finding the perfect property. Some benefits of using MLS include:

• Accuracy: Every MLS has different requirements for listings, but the general rules require always-accurate data; everything from square footage to asking price to location must be precise. Third-party sites may make errors when scraping data, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
• Photos: The quality and amount of photos are often mandated by an MLS, which creates a standard of listings that help other agents and homebuyers evaluate every property equally.
• Updated:Once again, rules vary by service, but MLSs require that agents update listings within a set period if anything changes, like asking price, sales status, or changing listing details. You can count on data not only being accurate but also up to date.

You can see how these benefits can be extremely helpful and valuable in finding the right home. Using an MLS can give you an advantage over others relying on third-party sites in competitive markets.

Setting Up Your MLS Search

How do you get started making an MLS search? While you can intuitively perform a decent search due to other platforms, an MLS search has some unique elements to consider. 

It’s well worth learning how to conduct an effective MLS search to receive more accurate, applicable results. You’ll also need to choose the right website, and aggregator sites can be inaccurate or slow to update when a home is sold. So, let’s break down how to set up a search that helps you find your ideal property.

Choose the MLS Site and Create an Account

There are a few different MLS sites to consider, and there may be redundant information. A few to consider for Guelph include REW, Realtor, and ReMax.

Once you’ve picked a site, create an account before you get started. While it may not be required, it’ll help you stay on top of different listings and streamline contacting an agent once you’ve found a property you want to view. 

Defining Your Search Criteria

Unlike other search tools, keywords aren’t the main way to find the right listings. Instead, focus more on understanding your needs and using available filters to only show properties that meet your criteria.

Each site will have different filter options available, but typically, you can refine your search based on the following factors:

• Location
• Price range
• Property type
• Number of bedrooms
• Number of bathrooms

Other sites may have more options, but at the bare minimum, use the above options to avoid scrolling through irrelevant listings.

Using Advanced Search Features

Once your search criteria are configured, keywords help you find specific properties within that range, such as a bungalow, Victorian architecture, or a pool. Some sites may also allow you to select specific amenities from filtering options.

If your sights are set on a specific neighbourhood or school district, keyword searchers can help narrow down the options if they aren’t available as filters.

Maximizing MLS Search Efficiency

Most MLS sites offer advanced tools to help you more efficiently navigate the pool of options and land on the right property for your needs. Let’s explore a few ways you can streamline the entire process, such as:

• Set up alerts:Most MLS sites have an alert and notification feature to help you find the perfect home. The exact steps for setting these up vary by site, but you’ll typically see an alert option on individual listings and be able to configure when you get a notification, such as when the price drops.
• Save and compare listings:One reason why you should start by making an account is to be able to save listings as you go through them, usually in the form of a favourites list. Later, you can compare listings to each other directly to help narrow down the options.
• Utilizing map and neighbourhood views:Map and neighbourhood views give you a birds-eye view of the area, letting you quickly see prices throughout Guelph. Most sites will have this utility, so put it to work to start narrowing down on the right neighbourhoods.

Benefits of Working with Real Estate Agents

You don’t have to search for a home alone and be solely responsible for navigating MLS searches. Real estate agents can work side-by-side with you to empower you to use these valuable tools effectively while providing support as you explore properties.

One of the primary benefits of working with an agent is quickly booking a viewing once you find a home that meets your needs, rather than filling out a form at that point. 

Working with a real estate agent will help you better understand the area’s market. A listing may be a good deal, but it’s overpriced for the property type and area. The opposite is true; you might overlook an amazing deal they bring to your attention.

Finding the Right Agent

There are plenty of real estate agents in most markets, so how do you find the right one? You’ll want to look at a few key factors:

• Knowledgeable about the entire process
• Experience making transactions that benefit the buyer
• Expertise in the Guelph market, including neighbourhoods and typical prices
• Strong communication skills that make every interaction seamless

Once you’re serious about buying a home, it’s well worth starting by finding a local real estate agent before you spend too much time making MLS searches alone. You’ll gain another advantage over other buyers and have an experienced partner to lead the way.

Team Up with Andra Arnold to Quickly Find Your Next Home

Home buying can be a time-intensive process, and going about it alone or without using the right tools makes it take longer and causes you to become frustrated with inaccurate or incomplete listings.

Take the time to switch from third-party aggregators to MLS searches. MLS listings are directly added and managed by agents, while the sites themselves have strict criteria for each listing. Some sites will even impose fines for out-of-date or otherwise inaccurate information.

You can also work with real estate agents to streamline the MLS search process. Andra Arnold has years of experience working in the Guelph real estate market, and we’re experts at using MLS searches to help find the perfect properties for our clients.

Are you ready to find your next home in Guelph? Reach out to us today to find your next home.