We're real estate tech geeks at RE Technology. We love to answer questions from agents wondering how to streamline and grow their business with innovative technology solutions. Explaining the differences between document management and transaction management or giving advice about what to do when the bank rejects your e-signed documents are both part of a great day at work for us.

However, if you ask us which CMA, Electronic Signature, Showing Appointment Software or other solution you should use, you'll get a question back: Have you checked your MLS?

The tool you're thinking of purchasing--be it client relationship management software, market statistics package, or something else--may already be included in your MLS membership for free. If you don't check your MLS's member benefits BEFORE you buy, you may be spending money needlessly.

Not Free? A Discounted Rate May Be Available

Even if your MLS doesn't include the solution you're looking for with your membership, check to see who their partners and vendors are. Chances are that your MLS has negotiated with technology companies for a discount on their products. Again, if you don't check your MLS first, you may be losing money.

In addition to free and discounted products, your MLS will often share listing data with real estate technology businesses. While a discount may not be offered, consider what the convenience of already having your data available in a solution is worth. If the features of a different solution that your MLS has not shared their data with outweighs that convenience factor, then go ahead and consider buying it.

Not happy with what your MLS offers? RE Technology's extensive database of real estate technology products can help you find what you need.

If you're just unsure what your MLS offers, we may be able to help, too. We list the technology solutions offered by many MLSs right in our database. Available solutions will be shown with a black highlight in the top lefthand corner of the listing, like in the screenshot below.

Our collection of hundreds of educational articles can help you learn how to leverage every type of technology solution for success in your business. Not sure if a solution is right for you? Try before you buy with our Friday Freebies.