Smart MLS Statuses

Smart MLS Updates (as of 05/28/2021)

• In some instances, rather than having a binding contract, you may a have a meeting of the minds that has been documented by a memorandum of terms, offer to purchase or some type of non-binding agreement. Listings in this phase will remain in the MLS as an ACTIVE listing status, but will be required to utilize the new active status flag “Under Agreement Y/N”. This will allow others to know that the property is still for sale but is subject to a non-binding agreement.

• Due to current market conditions, where it is not unusual to have dozens of offers to consider, we created the “Under Review Y/N” flag. This flag should be utilized during the time the seller is reviewing multiple offers. If the flag remains after 48 hours, it will be automatically removed by the system.

• Lastly, the “Hubbard Y/N" flag will remain. If the purchase of a listed property is contingent on the sale of the Buyer’s property, the Listing should remain in the MLS with the “ACTIVE” listing status and marked with a “Y” in the field “Hubbard Y/N".

Changes to Photo Policy

Many of you have reached out to us regarding concerns your clients have about photos of their properties being online for everyone to see. In an effort to address this concern, some of you have resorted to deleting photos prior to closing out a listing. Deleting the photos is not an ideal solution, since it also prevents other real estate professionals from accessing them in the future for use as comps in CMAs, tracking improvements on properties over time, etc. 

Until recently, we did not have an elegant solution for this issue.  We are happy to announce that technological advances have now afforded us a solution that both protects consumer privacy and maintains the information the Realtor needs today and in the future.

As of June 9th, public IDX sites will only have permission to display the primary photo on sold listings. Matrix will continue to display all photos on sold listings.

We have adjusted our photo submission policy. Photos submitted to the Service may not be removed except for:

1) Replacing photos to reflect change in seasons.

2) Improvements to the home.

3) Substituting higher quality photos of the same image.

AVM Opt-Out and Reviews

An AVM, or Automated Valuation Model, is a computer program that uses real estate information, such as demographics, property characteristics, sales prices, and price trends to calculate a value for a specific property.  This information appears on public IDX sites.  Sellers can choose to opt out of having an AVM display next to their listings on IDX sites. 
Under "Additional Info" in the Add/Edit process, you will see the field: AVMs May Be Displayed With This Listing (Y/N) 

This is an "Opt Out" option meaning that unless the seller has indicated that they do not want to participate, the default answer would be "Yes". 

Similarly, there will be a field to allow a seller to opt-out of allowing third-parties to write comments or reviews about their listings or display a hyperlink to such comments or reviews on IDX sites.

We have increasingly been fielding inquiries about virtually staged or altered photos. Virtually staged photos are permissible if disclosed, but virtually altered photos are strictly prohibited.

A virtually staged photo (permissible) will show what a room would look like with a new paint color, properly scaled photos and other room décor.

A virtually altered photo (not permissible) shows what a room will look like with walls moved, new kitchen cabinets,  power lines or other unsightly permanent items removed or altered. 

Coming Soon 

The usage of the Coming Soon status has skyrocketed over the past few months. We went from having 30 Coming Soon listings at any given time to over 300.

To better manage the process and confirm a Coming Soon listing is in compliance with our rules, the SmartMLS Coming Soon Addendum, which must be signed by both the listing agent and the seller(s), is required to be uploaded as a Private-Coming Soon supplement in Matrix while the listing is in the INC status. 

You will not be able to submit the listing as Coming Soon if you have not already uploaded the Coming Soon Addendum with the proper supplement type (Private- Coming Soon).

Temp Off Market vs Withdrawn

Lastly, we want to clarify the difference between the Temp Off Market and Withdrawn statuses.

Temp is designed to be for short, unexpected circumstances, 14 days or less.  For example: someone is ill, there are repairs going on, etc.

Withdrawn is used for longer duration issues or if the seller has changed their mind and does not want to sell but is still under agreement. As of June 9th, a Temp listing will automatically go to Withdrawn status after the 14th day of Temp status. When a listing is marked Withdrawn, there cannot be any advertising, including a sign, on the property.