A Multiple Listing Service (MLS), is a group of real estate brokers who pool their listings to maximize exposure of properties and to increase sales. A broker member of an MLS who obtains a listing submits it to the MLS database. He or she is the "listing broker". The listing information is distributed to other members by computer services. Other members of the MLS then have access to the property and are able to show it to their buyers. Access to an MLS, then, greatly increases the available "inventory" of properties for an agent and enhances their chances of finding a suitable property for a potential buyer. The broker who finds the buyer is the "selling broker" or "buyer broker".

One advantage for the seller in listing their property in the MLS is accessing those buyers who work exclusively through a real estate agent and don't look for the "for sale by owner". Additionally, most MLS databases are now downloaded to public sites such as Realtor.com and local real estate company websites.

By using the power of the Multiple Listing Service, the flat listing fee program increases the seller's chances of selling their property in the least amount of time for the most money.