Use the procedures outlined below to execute custom MLS searches, save the results of those searches for future use, receive email updates for properties that meet your search requirements, and optimize your searches by using keywords.

How to save your searches for future use.

Before you can save a search for future use, you must register with HomeScanner (Choose the “Click here to register” box on the MLS search page). Any time you go the MLS search page on my web site, there will be an opportunity to register with HomeScanner in a black and yellow box in the upper right of the screen.

Once you have registered with HomeScanner, follow these steps:

1. Enter your search criteria and click on the search button. The properties that meet your search criteria will appear.

2. Near the top of the screen, look for a black rectangle with white text that reads “Save Search to HomeScanner.” and click on this box.

3. Before you can save your search you will be prompted to log in to HomeScanner if you have not already done so.

To save a search for future use, you must give your search a name in the field at the top of the page. When you return to my site and wish to use a search you saved previously, you may log on to the HomeScanner, refer to searches you have saved, and run these searches anytime you wish.

How to sign up for automatic notification of new listings that meet your
requirements.

To find about new listings as soon as they appear, first follow all the steps for saving a search:

1) Log on to HomeScanner (register if you haven’t done so already)
2) Enter criteria for a search
3) Run the search
4) Save the search
5) After you have saved the search, look for the field at the bottom of the screen
called “HomeScanner Schedule.” Enter the days of the week you would like new
listings that match your requirements to be emailed to you.

Keyword searches investors and bargain-hunters should use.

Investors and bargain hunters will want to search on these key words:

• Foreclosure
• Fixer-upper
• Handyman special
• Estate-owned
• Bank-owned
• Corporate transfer

Notice the box to the right of the keyword search field. This can be set to either “Contains all keywords” or “Contains any keywords.” These will produce very different results in your searches, so be sure to select the one you want.
Buyers seeking a home with an apartment which may be rented should search on “in-law suite” or “teen suite.” Note that you may search on a maximum of three key words at a time.

Why we have two multi-list services in Georgia.

In Georgia, we have two Multi-List Services:

• First Multiple Listing Service, or FMLS, and
• Georgia Multiple Listing Service, or Georgia MLS

Some brokers list property only in one MLS, some only in the other, and some in both. FMLS serves primarily the Atlanta area from I-20 northward. FMLS is the dominant MLS in areas such as Buckhead, Brookhaven, Vinings, Cobb County, North Fulton County and Gwinnett County. Many realtors who work in these areas use FMLS exclusively. Georgia MLS serves a geographic region that extends about 100 miles from Atlanta in all directions. In Atlanta, many properties found in the areas south of I-20 are listed only in Georgia MLS. Most Atlanta area full-service brokers list their properties in both FMLS and Georgia MLS. All of my listings, for example, are listed in both multi-list services. However, some brokers use only one of the listing databases. The I-20 corridor inside I-285 is a transitional area between the two multi-list databases in which it is important to search both to capture all the available properties. Many desirable investor properties (such as bank foreclosures) are listed with small brokers who subscribe only to the Georgia MLS. Investor buyers should be sure to search both listing services.