We have recently upgraded our MLS search engine to a new vendor. Because of that, the interface is a little different. Here is a short tutorial on how to get the most from the new interface.

We are presented with three options on the introductory screen:

• Address
  
  • Enter the City, State and/or Zip and/or street address.
• County
  • Enter the County and State.
• MLS#
  • Enter one or more MLS numbers from GMLS.

Let's talk a little more about each of these options.

Address

You can enter most any combination of City, State, street address and Zip code. This allows you to target the area that you are using to start your search. Of course, the problem is that you need to know the information to get started. For City/State, that isn't too tough, but can be if you are wanting to do a Zip code search. I recommend starting with a City/State search and then drilling down from there. Of course, if you ran across an address, just type it in and get the result.

County

This is a very useful search to start with if you are more flexible on location. You can drill down further after stating the search, so don't worry that there will be 8,000 results.

MLS#

In the Atlanta Metro area, there are two multiple Listing Services (MLSs), First MLS (FMLS) and Georgia MLS (GMLS). Currently the search only uses results from GMLS. We are working on including FMLS listings as well. Most brokerages in the area are members of both (including mine), but there are a few "FMLS only" listings that will be missing until we are able to access their feed. On the old feed, the "GMLS only" listings were missing.

More Search Options

Just below the main search window there is a "slide-out" that offers more search options. In this, you can type in Property type (currently only residential), Price range (no minimum/maximum to $10k/$5m), and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. If you don't select these here, you can still select or change them in the search on the following screens.

When we get to the main results screen, we can see that we again have the opportunity to add or change price ranges, as well as number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Clicking on the More Search Options here opens a slide-out that allows results to be narrowed by some more criteria... House Age, Lot Size, Garage Size and then some amenities and community settings.

Finally, on the right there is a Modify Locations List option. This allows the results to be filtered by things such as city, ZIP code, schools, subdivisions and streets or addresses.  Hint: If you don't know the specific schools, ZIP codes, subdivisions, etc. that you might be interested in, you have a couple of options.  you can call me and I can try to get you pointed in the right direction, or you can look at the results and see what schools are servicing the homes in areas you like, or what their ZIP codes are, or what subdivision they might be in.  Then go back and put that info in on the results screen.  

Remember, these are only the results from one of the MLSs in the area.  Most homes are in both, but there may be additional homes in the other MLS.  Feel free to give me a call and let me help you find homes in the other MLS.