What Is an MLS® Number and How to Use the MLS® Number Search
An MLS® number is the unique identifier that a local real estate board assigns to a listing when it’s entered into the MLS® system. It’s the fastest way to look up a specific property — type the number into REALTOR.ca, a brokerage site, or share it with your agent and you’re looking at the same listing they are.
Where you’ll see MLS® numbers
- Printed on yard signs, brochures, and listing remarks.
- Shown on REALTOR.ca and brokerage listing pages.
- Referenced in MLS® alert emails from your REALTOR®.
How board prefixes work
Different boards use different prefix conventions. TRREB listings start with letters indicating the area (W for west, E for east, C for central Toronto, N for north, etc.) followed by digits. Other boards use their own systems. The number is still unique within the board.
Searching by MLS® number
Most consumer sites accept an MLS® number directly in the search bar. If a number returns nothing, the listing may have been sold, terminated, or the number may belong to a different board’s system. Ask your REALTOR® to look up the exact listing — they have access across boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does the same property sometimes have multiple MLS® numbers over time?
- If a listing is terminated and relisted, it gets a new MLS® number. Days on market typically reset — a tactic some sellers use after a long stale period.
- Can I see sold properties by MLS® number?
- Sold MLS® data is accessible through a REALTOR®. Some consumer sites show partial sold data with delays.
- What if the listing shows different info on two sites?
- Trust REALTOR.ca and the listing brokerage’s own site over third-party aggregators — those can lag.
Related Reading
Work With a Top Toronto Real Estate Agent
Filipe & Isabel Ferreira and the Team Filipehave helped families across Toronto and the GTA for over 20 years. Whether you’re starting your search, we’ll walk you through every step. Call (647) 298-9299 or book a free consultation.