House hunting has certainly gotten easier in the 21st century, thanks to the internet. When you first start searching and come across the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), you may be confused by all the information and terminology. Gain some knowledge about how to read listings with this guide! 

 

  • MLS#:  This is the identifying number for the property in the Multiple Listing Service. The top section of the listing will normally feature the address, market status, list date, price, and directions.to the property. 

  • - Status Shorthand:  ACTV: Active, BOMK:  Back on the market, CLSD: Closed, NEW: New listing, PCHG:  Price change, PEND: Sale pending, no contingencies, RACT: Reactivated, TEMP or WDN: Temporarily withdrawn 

  • - CTG: Contingent upon one of the following: 

  • A/I: Attorney Approval/Home Inspection, FIN: Financing, HCnn: Buyer's Home Sale Closing, or HSnn: Buyer's Unsold Home 
     

  • Separate sections share more specific details, such as the home’s square footage, construction date, neighborhood/area, type of zoning, and the number of rooms. Other important details continue with interior and exterior information, types of flooring, as well as appliances included with the sale, type of climate control systems, lot size, and other features/amenities. 
     

  • Remarks:  Here you will read the public description of the property, as well as any extra features the home may have.  
     

  • Say you have already searched and saved a few of your favorites, and suddenly there is a new status code! These codes may be UAG: under sales agreement, CAN: canceled, or EXP: expired.
     

  • If one of your favorites has been canceled or expired, contact your buyer agent to help you find out if the property is re-listed with someone else. 

 

When you contact a Realtor® to assist you with your house-hunting, they will use the MLS just as you have but will have access to more listings and more information than the public.  Share your saved listings with them, and they will sort out all the details, so you have nothing to worry about.  

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.