- Technically, the “Market” platform simply means the MLS.
- Then there are a plethora of syndicator platforms, especially Zillow*, to which the MLS feeds data.
- Then there are all of the independent platforms, sometimes referred to as the “pre-market”. However, they can be before, during or after a “Market” listing.
For FSBO purposes, perhaps the two most important distinctions to consider is: 1. the MLS requires paying a broker (even if only a flat-fee) and 2. the fact that the MLS & its syndicators count Days On Market (DOM), while independent platforms will not directly count towards MSL DOM.
*Zillow far outweighs market share (searches) over the MLS’ Realtor.com (“The Market“) due to its estimating tool (Zestimate), its data richness and its branding.
Zillow.com, accounts for about 50% of all home searches and Realtor.com accounts for about 15%. Realtor.com is the public facing search platform of the MLS.
The rest of the MLS syndicators account for approximately another 20% combined. And the independent sites account for the remaining 15% or so.
Note: if you pay for a flat-fee listing to get on the MLS, make sure your flat-fee listing broker can list for your specific area. The MLS is broken up into over 500 local databases.