MLS Question - Searching for a Backhouse

[Harrison Sharp]

Newish agent (9 months) - Is there a way to find properties on the MLS that have a back house or a second detached unit with them? Occasionally I will come across one when looking through properties but I'm trying to figure out if there is a way to automate this. Would setting up a keyword search in the property description section work? Any other creative ideas are appreciated. I'm in DFW if that matters.

Thanks!

[Bruce Lynn]

On exterior features there is an option for guest quarters.   That might be one search.   Of course that takes the listing agent checking that flag when they input.

There is also a field named "Accessory Unit" with a couple of different options....again it takes the input agent to flag those.

You could also set up searches for description key words like Guest House, Accessory Unit, Pool House, MIL, Mother in Law, etc.

There are not a lot of these unfortunately.  Lots of city restrictions.  Most of the time seems like needs to be outside city limits, or older to be grandfathered in.   Rare you find anything like this in the newer cities like Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, etc.   There's some in HP and UP, and a some around M and L streets from what I remember.   Dallas has been discussing ADUs for a long time.  There is a nice writeup somewhere I posted.

Most cities seem to frown on it.  They don't want multi-family in single family neighborhood at this point around DFW.  There are some cities around the country discussing due to a shortage of housing....and also the type of housing they have.