Agents,
I just wanted to clarify misconceptions I’ve seen floating around from agents outside the office. For the complete list of Clear Cooperation questions follow this link: https://www.
Do I have to allow showings when the MLS status is Active?
No. You can have it in “Active” status for a week before allowing showings. So you could activate a listing on Monday and put in the remarks that there will be no showings until Saturday and this would be compliant with the MLS rules. Here’s verbatim what their website says:
“A listing in the “Active” status must be available for showings within a reasonable period of time, which is generally within 5 business days after the listing has been placed in the Active status. “Active” status listings are actively marketed using both the MLS and other marketing methods.A listing in the “Off Market” status means the property is temporarily not available for showings, per the seller’s request, for a period of time that generally exceeds 5 business days. “Off Market” status listings are not actively marketed while in this status because the listing is “off market” (i.e. Days on Market are not accumulating in the MLS).”
Can I actively market a listing in the “Off Market” status?
No. When you place a listing in the “Off Market” status on the MLS, you are representing to other agents that the property is not currently available for showings and the property is not actively being marketed outside of the MLS (i.e. the listing is “off market,” which is why Days on Market do not accumulate in this status). However, while you cannot actively market a listing in the Active status, yard signs are permitted when a listing is in the “Off Market” status. The “Off-Market” status can be used at the beginning or at any time during the listing agreement.
Does this policy apply to all MLS property types?
No. This policy applies to all residential listings. The following are exceptions to this Policy:
Exclusive Office Listings (i.e. Listings that are not marketed to the public)
Commercial, industrial, and business properties
Residential properties with 5 or more units
Properties that are “To Be Built” or “Under Construction”
As a reminder this is how I would suggest you do business for most properties:
- Take the listing (Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement signed)
- Within five business days, use the completed MLS input page and post on the MLS.
- Immediately change the status to “Off Market.”
- Get photographs of the home. I’d suggest doing this before installing a sign as the sign must not be displayed in the photographs.
- Have the sign installed (Only after the property is on the MLS in an “Off Market” status)
- Once the photographs are received load them to the MLS and change the status on the MLS to Active.
- If you aren’t allowing showings the day the status changes to “Active” then put in the agent remarks and on showingtime when the first showings will be allowed. (Make sure it’s within 5 business days)
- Now that the property is in an “Active” status you may advertise the property in any medium (even though you may not be taking showings yet).
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Rich
