What's the difference between Collaborations and MLS Search?

Understand when to use each workflow to get the best experience for you and your clients.

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Overview

Use the Collaborations workflow when you're actively working with a client and want to give them access to the Home Search tool. Use MLS Search saved searches when you want to send listing alert emails to nurture a prospect without bringing them into the portal.

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When to use Collaborations

Collaborations is the right choice when you're ready to actively work with a client on their home search. When you add a client to a collaboration, they receive an invitation email — branded with your logo — prompting them to join. Clicking Join collaboration brings them to the Home Search tool, where they can search listings in the browser or download the app for the best experience.

As your client interacts with listings, their activity appears in your activity feed, so you can see what they're saving and stay on top of where their search is headed.

Use Collaborations when you want to:

• Invite an active client into the Home Search tool (web or mobile)
• Monitor client activity and saved listings in your activity feed
• Create a collaborative, hands-on home search experience

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When to use MLS Search saved searches

Setting up a saved search from the MLS Search tab sends automatic listing alert emails whenever new matching listings come in — but does not send a portal invitation. There's no activity feed visibility, and the client won't be brought into the Home Search tool.

Use MLS Search saved searches when you want to:

• Nurture a prospect with automatic listing alerts
• Keep someone informed without pulling them into an active collaboration
• Stay top of mind during the early stages of a client relationship

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FAQs

Can I use both Collaborations and MLS Search saved searches for the same client?

Yes. You can set up a saved search to send listing alert emails while also running an active collaboration — they work independently of each other.

What does the client see when they're invited to a collaboration?

They receive a branded email with your logo that says you've invited them to collaborate. Clicking Join collaboration takes them to the Home Search tool, where they can sign up or log in and begin searching in the browser or on the mobile app.

Do I need a specific plan to use Collaborations?

No — Collaborations is available on all plans.