SEE WHAT OTHERS
ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE GREEN MLS TOOLKIT

  • "I congratulate the National Association of REALTORS® for this essential toolkit that takes the next important step: translating green construction into demonstrable value for brokers and their customers all over the country."

    Robert R. Jones
    Chairman
    National Association of Homebuyers

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Greening the MLS

View examples of existing green MLS data entry forms.

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Welcome

Welcome to the green mls tool kit

This website is a valuable resource for those interested in implementing a green initiative for their Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This tool kit provides a snapshot of the green home industry, outlines why adopting a green initiative for the MLS is important, and offers strategies for effective changes. The recommendations in the tool kit are a ‘best practices’ and step by step guide to a successful implementation.

Additionally, the tool kit contains access to supporting documents and resources that will assist the process of greening the MLS. These resources include links to case studies of MLS systems which have completed a green initiative, example data entry forms containing searchable green features, a glossary of green terms, and much more.

The National Association of REALTORS® through its Green REsource Council and NeighborWorks® America organized subject matter experts from across the country to create the tool kit. An emphasis was placed on developing a team of individuals that either have had direct experience with MLS system management and / or with implementing a green MLS initiative.

The following associations and organization have collaborated in the creation of the tool kit:

  • Multi-Regional Multiple Listing Service
  • Metropolitan Regional Information System
  • Council of Multiple Listing Services
  • Traverse Area Association of REALTORS®
  • National Association of REALTORS®
  • NeighborWorks® America
  • US Green Building Council
  • National Association of Home Builders
  • EcoBroker® International
  • Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.
  • Appraisal Institute

Please see the “Acknowledgements” page for the individuals involved.

If you are in the process of greening your MLS, I encourage you to rely on the shared experiences and recommendations found in the tool kit. Ultimately, you must determine what is best for your area and for your members.

If you have been thinking about greening your MLS and haven't taken action, the tool kit can help you take that first step. Or if green homes have not yet arrived in your market (see "Snapshot of the Green Home Industry") and you sense that a green MLS isn't appropriate for your membership right now, the tool kit can offer guidance when you do decide that your market is ready for such change.

As you work through the process, please keep in mind that green is not a just a trend. To build green means to build better. Many features of today’s green home will be tomorrow's standards.

When adopting a green MLS initiative, numerous questions and concerns likely will emerge. It's why the tool kit developers have agreed to serve as resources and to answer your questions. It's also an opportunity for you to learn from others who have gone through the experience and to save yourself time and money.

The authors of the sections are indicated, and contact information for them is listed in the “Contact Information” section.

If you're considering a green MLS initiative, I recommend that you read the tool kit in the following order and review the additional resources:

If you have already started your green MLS initiative, I suggest at a minimum, you review both recommendation sections.

I wish you the very best in your efforts to Green your MLS.

Sincerely,

Al Medina – GREEN, LEED AP
Director, NAR’s Green Designation
National Association of REALTORS®