Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for Hilton Head Island vacation rentals, villas and beach homes in beautiful Hilton Head South Carolina. Sea Turtle Getaways, Hilton Head Beach Vacation Rentals.

Multiple Listing Service (MLS) (also Multiple Listing System or Multiple Listings Service) is a database that allows a broker representing a seller to share information about the property for sale widely with brokers representing potential buyers.

The purpose of the MLS to is enable a more efficient marketplace to occur between brokers by distributing information. When a real estate agent is introduced to a potential home buyer, the agent can search the MLS system to retrieve information about homes for sale in that area. The MLS permits that agent to view information about homes represented by OTHER brokers, just as a securities broker can see the price of stock put up for sale by other brokers through the securities exchanges. The MLS is an exchange for real estate, just as the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are exchanges for securities, but the MLS is not an open exchange or a public exchange. Unlike securities exchanges, which have government oversight (the Securities and Exchange Commission), the MLSs are governed by private entities and the rules are set by those private entities with no state or federal oversight.

The MLS typically combines the listings for all available properties that are represented by a broker that is a member of the MLS. Membership to the MLS is generally considered to be essential to the practice of real estate brokerage -- a broker that is not a member cannot put information into the MLS or access information submitted by other brokers.

Most MLSs restrict membership and access to real estate agents who are 1) licensed by the state (or province), and 2) members of the trade association (e.g., the National Association of Realtors or Canadian Real Estate Association). Generally, a person selling his or her own home (i.e., for sale by owner) cannot put a listing for their home directly into the MLS. Similarly, a properly licensed broker that chooses to neither join the trade association nor operate a business within the associations's rules, cannot join the MLS.

In general, MLSs are private entities that set their own rules for membership, access, and sharing of information. An MLS may be owned and operated by a real estate company, a real estate board, or a trade association.

In general, the public cannot gain access to the MLS. Individual brokers who are members of the MLS may provide information to potential buyers in different ways -- providing specific listings on paper in an office is customary. An agent may also email or fax listings. However, real estate brokers sometimes use their websites to permit potential buyers to see MLS data, and is the subject of significant controversy.

United States

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has set policies that permit brokers to show only limited MLS information on their websites. NAR has an ownership interest in a company (Homestore) that operates a website that has exclusive rights to display significant MLS information. That site is www.Realtor.com.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit in September 2005 against the National Association of Realtors over the NAR's policy that restricts brokers from establishing websites that show home sellers information that is in the MLS. The DOJ's antitrust claims also include NAR rules that exclude certain kinds of brokers from membership in MLSs.

Currently, in the United States there is no one central MLS. MLS's have city-wide or regional coverage. In 2005, there were approximately 800 MLSs in the United States , each dedicated to a city or region.

The Largest MLS in the United States is currently The Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois (MLSNI) with over 45,000 active members.

About Hilton Head Island
With such an amazing variety of things to do on Hilton Head Island, somewhere, somebody is teeing up for the best round of golf they've ever played. Somewhere, a family of four is enjoying their Hilton Head vacation, strolling down a secluded beach as warm Atlantic waters lap at their feet. Somewhere, a couple is enjoying the pastel-colored sky of a beautiful Hilton Head Island sunset. Renowned as one of the world's most family-friendly destinations, Hilton Head Island offers unlimited opportunities for holiday memories and was recently named one of the top ten family beaches in the country. As an intimate getaway for two or an idyllic backdrop for a family reunion, the Island extends a variety of outdoor and indoor recreational activities. You'll notice that there's something different about Hilton Head the moment you arrive. By design, there is a sensitive nod to the environment that has become the blueprint for other developments around the nation. Buildings are set back from the main roads, showcasing the native pines and oaks. Colors are not flamboyant and bright; instead, they are subdued and blend with the natural environment. And bright streetlights here are as rare as snowstorms. A progressive land purchasing program undertaken by town leadership ensures that there's plenty of green wherever you go, and strict development guidelines ensure that the only thing between your eyes and a breathtaking view are your sunglasses. It's easy to see why more than 39,000 people have chosen to call the Island their permanent home. At the very foundation of the Hilton Head Island vacation experience is the community of full-time residents who work hard to make sure their Island is a clean, safe and enjoyable place to visit. You'll notice it in the friendly faces that greet you wherever you go. There is a relaxed and warm island attitude in the air, one that whispers "Welcome to Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island was named one of the Top 10 Family Beaches.

Hilton Head Island Attractions & Activities
Hilton Head Island fills your family's days with fun and activities. Pristine beaches, flexible accommodation options and endless recreation have made Hilton Head Island a first choice for family vacations. Both day and evening entertainment for the entire family is far reaching. Every April, the Verizon Heritage PGA TOUR golf tournament is played in Hilton Head Island and the Hilton Head Celebrity Golf Tournament is held on Labor Day Weekend. During the month of May, Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry celebrate the area’s vibrant arts community and diverse cultural heritage through visual and performing arts events, cultural activities and programs with BRAVO-Celebrate the Arts! Budget friendly activities are available day and night on the Island. Families can venture to the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse in Sea Pines for only a dollar each person. This activity offers a clear view of the Island’s south end as well as the eye pleasing Harbour Town Marina. Also available in Sea Pines is shopping, waterfront dining and horse back riding. Families could spend at entire day in Sea Pines alone. Other family friendly spots include Shelter Cove Harbour, Adventure Cove, the Coastal Discovery Museum and The Sandbox, An Interactive Children's Museum. Shelter Cove Harbour offers a variety of experiences such as shopping, kayaking, sailing and cruise excursions, fireworks and concerts. Activities at Adventure Cove include laser tag, bumper cars, video arcade, an indoor play room, miniature golf and more. Other miniature golf courses include Legendary Golf and Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf. The Coastal Discovery Museum offers programs, activities, and exhibits to make learning about Hilton Head and other sea islands an enjoyable experience. The museum is a great place to visit any time of the year. With indoor and outdoor exhibits, activity centers in the Sea Island Classroom, the History Time-line Exhibit and museum store, plus 11 different tours and cruises around the island, the museum is a fantastic way to become familiar with the Island's unique history and ecology. The Sandbox is a hands-on interactive museum filled with unique entertaining, and educational play areas to explore. At The Sandbox all the exhibits are designed to help children learn while having fun and bonding with each other and their caregivers. There are no “do not touch” signs at this Museum. Children can sail away on Captain William Hilton’s ship The Adventure, find their Passport to the World in the international airport terminal with a simulator plane ready to take the little ones anywhere, and visit the Loggerhead sandcastle filled with magic sand. For a more relaxing adventure, two multi-screened movie theaters and one independent film theater allow families to catch the latest on the silver screen. In addition, the stage is always set at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, the South Carolina Repertory Company and the May River Theatre Company.

Directions to Hilton Head Island
From I-95: Take Exit 8 (eight miles from the Georgia border) and go east following signs to Hilton Head Island. This is Highway 278 and you will travel about 18 miles and then you cross the bridge to Hilton Head. Continue over the bridge and look for signs for the Cross Island Expressway. If you are going to the south end of the island (Shipyard, Coligny, Forest Beach, Sea Pines) stay to your left and use the expressway (Toll $1) to save time. Otherwise, keep right and stay on Highway 278 Business. After you cross the bridge onto Hilton Head Island, look for the Welcome Center and Coastal Discovery Museum on your right. The Welcome Center has brochures on Hilton Head activities, additional maps and upcoming events. If flying into the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, take I-95 North and follow the above directions.