What Is the Queens Multiple Listing Service?

There is no single Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that is used exclusively in Queens, however the most widely used systems include the REBNY RLS and the OneKey MLS.

Queens is primarily covered by the REBNY RLS broker database, although outer edges of the borough may see a little overlap with the OneKey MLS (formerly known as the Long Island MLS).

RLS is particularly dominant in Queens neighborhoods closer to Manhattan such as Long Island City, whereas neighborhoods that are further out in the borough such as Flushing or Kew Gardens may see some overlap with the OneKey MLS.

RLS (REBNY Listing Service) is operated by the Real Estate Board of New York. It covers the entire New York City Area, including Queens. 

Interestingly, RLS is not technically considered an MLS since REBNY is not associated with the National Association of Realtors. However, RLS performs the same basic functions as any MLS.

Namely, REBNY member agents transmit listings into the database to encourage co-broking with buyer’s agents.

The OneKey MLS is jointly operated by the Long Island Board of Realtors and the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.

The OneKey MLS covers Long Island, NYC and the Lower Hudson Valley.

OneKey was formed in 2020 through the merger of MLS Long Island (MLSLI or the Long Island Board of Realtors, also known as LIBOR) and the Hudson Gateway MLS (HGMLS or HGAR). 

It’s worth noting that real estate agents in NYC are not required to join REBNY or OneKey, so a listing may appear in both systems, just one database or in neither REBNY RLS nor OneKey.

RLS and OneKey have slightly different rules and procedures on various topics such as resetting a listing’s day count and commission splitting.

The REBNY RLS Universal Co-Brokerage Agreement governs the behavior of REBNY member agents with respect to listings advertised in the RLS. Protocols for OneKey listings are outlined in the OneKey Rules and Procedures.