How to get the best out of MLS.

Hold your breath and count to 20!

If you're like me on a Saturday afternoon, MLS Online may leave you gasping for air! Don't get me wrong, MLS is a great system that realtors have used effectively for years. But MLS Online, its hugely successful internet counterpart, has one ironic drawback -- popularity. With a database of well over 200 thousand listings, the award-winning site often loads so slowly as to be practically unusable. Unless you have the lung capacity of a marathon swimmer!

Even after significant bandwidth upgrades, many often experience the dreaded "too many users" message at peak times of day. In these cases, MLS Online recommends hitting "reload"; however, those who make frequent use of the service simply find their frustration multiplied.

There are alternatives.

World wide web surfers need to know MLS Online differs from the faster, fresher MLS database to which many real estate brokers subscribe. In fact, a lag of up to 48 hours exists between MLS and its online sibling. So, when a listing hits the internet, it may have even sold in the real world.

In short, use MLS Online if you enjoy last-minute Christmas shopping! Count on crowded malls, slow service and fewer choices. Otherwise, get up early to avoid the rush. At 6:30 a.m. (EDST), most Canadians are sleeping or just getting up, so you'll find website navigation relatively quick.

As a helpful alternative, many realtors offer online questionnaires. These surveys allow you to compile a dream home description which goes straight to the realtor's email. Realtors let you know as soon as a new listing fits your criteria.

That's at least a 24-hour edge, which can translate into a little breathing room in the increasingly congested experience of www surfing.

Now, anyone for a swim?

Take the Survey!

What has been your experience with MLS Online? How has the internet helped or hindered your real estate search? Let us know here, and we'll publish survey results and comments in a future article...