Virtual Office Website Information

The MLS system available to consumers may not contain all properties for sale in a given area. Many MLSs operate using IDX (Internet Data eXchange) rules. Realtors ®, real estate agents and brokers who do not want their listings shown online to consumers may opt out of the MLS and not have their listings displayed in MLS searches. MLS information may also be limited, and consumers must contact an agent, Realtor ® or broker for more information about listings for sale. While consumer MLS access may not be ideal, it allows consumers to browse multiple listings for sale anonymously without having to commit to purchasing with any one agent, broker or Realtor ®. A Virtual Office Website, or VOW, works differently. A consumer wishing to view multiple listings for sale must register with the VOW. After registration, the consumer is allowed full and complete access to multiple listings information. The consumer is then considered a client of that broker, real estate agent, or Realtor ®. This is made clear to the consumer during the registration process.

MLS and VOW Differences

It's important to understand the differences between using a VOW and a MLS. While a VOW allows a consumer access to all multiple listings for sale, and complete information on each property, access to a VOW cannot be gained without a commitment to a specific real estate agent, broker or Realtor ®. Most websites offering MLS access allow you to browse freely and anonymously, but the MLS may not contain all multiple listings for sale, and the information made available to consumers will be limited in nature.

VOW Points of Contention

MLS access is far more common than VOW access, and the reasons for this are many. VOW listings do not allow anyone to opt-out of the system, and many real estate professional believe this to be unfair. Many brokerages do not want to share their listing inventories with their competition. They are unable to do so in a Virtual Office Website. Also, IDX has been required by the National Association of Realtors ® for member MLSs, and MLS access is much more commonplace throughout the country.