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Why Is a Property’s Listing Status Different on Other Websites?

One of our clients asked us a great question.  They wanted to know why they sometimes find a different status for a particular listing on different websites.

A great example is this:  You would like to inquire about a home that you found with a For Sale sign in the yard.  You visit the agent’s website from the sign, and it states that the property is Active.  After some further searching on the internet, you discover the same property with the same purchase price on Realtor.com.  Only on this website, the property states that it is in Pending status.

And as agents, we wonder why you get frustrated with us…

It is important to understand that the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) contains the most accurate and up-to-date information for any property that is listed for sale.  All Realtors hold a primary obligation to their Associations, which manages their MLSs.  Any and all changes to any real estate listings must first be handled in the MLS.

Now some aggregator websites like Realtor.com get data feeds from every MLS in the country.  Therefore, their information is usually current, but it could take up to 24 hours to take effect.  Other sites like Trulia.com or Zillow.com require the agent to login and make the necessary changes to the listing in their website.  If an agent is organized and detailed, there is a good chance that their listings are up to date.

Remember that all property search websites either get their information from the MLS data feeds or rely upon the agents to make changes.  But these sites provide a great service to the consumer by providing as much information about a property for sale as ever before.  The most accurate, real-time data can only be found on the MLS, which is one of the reasons why Realtors only use this system.  Other reasons are that property showing information, commission amount, and agent remarks about the deal can only be viewed by licensed Realtors with MLS access.

We hope this helps to explain the process.  Today, many agents offer property search tools on their websites.  We do as well.  Please visit our Property Search page to search for any residential properties throughout Southern California.

If we can be of any assistance to you in buying or selling your home throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, please contact us.