MLS® stands for Multiple Listing Services. This service has been organized by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and is trademarked by the same organization. The MLS® system is used by the different Real Estate Boards affiliated to CREA.
The system allows different brokers to advertise the property they have listed through their own sales representatives. Prior to the commencement of the MLS® system, most listing were exclusive to the broker, leaving their marketing to the personal relations of the broker and his salesperson thus limiting considerably the exposure of the properties.