If you've even occasionally listed or sold commercial properties through the MLS, you may have noticed a field called Loopnet. But do you know what it is?
So what is is this field, what does it do, and how do you use it?
Basically, Loopnet is a website developed for commercial real estate. ECAR has no official direct connection to this website so listings in the MLS, even ones that utilize the Loopnet field, do not get sent automatically to this site. And there is no link to click to get straight to the Loopnet website.
In order to view properties, or add a property to the site, you must be registered. But it is free for a basic membership. As with any website outside of the MLS, we have no record of the usernames and passwords set up on this site, so we can't help you if you forget either one.
I won't get into details about how to enter properties or search, but it appears to be a fairly basic process not unlike many other websites. What I do want to include is what this website does have to do with the MLS, and how is the Loopnet field on the MLS listing connected to this website.
The Loopnet field in the MLS is simply a reference to the Loopnet website. Part of the property entry process on the Loopnet website is to select subcategories. The main categories include property types such as retail, residential income, office, etc. The subcategories take it a step further with options such as Retail-Commercial Service Station/Gas Station. When you enter the property into the Loopnet website, make a note of the subcategory numbers that you select. Then when you enter the property into the ECAR MLS, you can enter that number.
Again, there's no direction connection between the ECAR MLS and Loopnet. So when you see the subcategory numbers on listings in the MLS, they are there to help you find that particular property when you search the Loopnet website.
If you have any questions about this Tip, or the MLS in general, please call us at 850-244-2411, or email susan@ecaor.com.
~ Susan Beck, MLS Director
Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS
Fort Walton Beach, FL