What is MLS?



The Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. (MLS) is a computerized network of more than 1,500 cooperating real estate offices. Within this service, thousands of professional real estate brokers and sales associates share listing and sale information and work together to serve the buying and selling public.

The MLS of LI is a subsidiary of The LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS® (LIBOR). In order to participate in the MLS, licensed brokers and their sales associates must first belong to LIBOR. This ensures for both buyers and sellers, as well as the other participants in the MLS, that the agencies they cooperate with will apply the same standards and agree to adhere to the same rules of conduct and professionalism.

The MLS has been successfully getting the job done for nearly three decades. In 1997, the MLS was instrumental in the sale of 21,927 properties, a reported gross closed volume of $3,987,961,039.00. Sales through the MLS reached yet another high water mark - a third year trend in increased sales!


What is LIBOR?



The LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS® (LIBOR) is a non-profit trade association that serves more than 12,000 real estate professionals throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Brooklyn. LIBOR Members represent all facets of the real estate industry. LIBOR has been a charter member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® since 1916.
LIBOR members help comprise the ranks of over 700,000 Realtors® nationwide, making the Realtors® one of the most influential political voices in the nation. Included in LIBOR dues is membership in The NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NYSAR), and NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR).


What is a REALTOR®?



Although the term is often used generically and interchangeably with words like real estate agent, real estate broker, and sales associate, the term Realtor® is, in fact, a registered collective membership mark which may only be used by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. And, not everyone who holds a license to sell real estate is a Realtor®. So, it's important to know the difference!


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