Thursday, May 28, 2020

Is a Pocket Listing in Your Best Interest?

"Clear Cooperation" is a new National Association of Realtors® (NAR) mandatory policy that went into affect on May 1st.  It requires entry of a listing in the MLS within one business day of publicly marketing the listing.
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A pocket listing is one which a brokerage keeps within the company and doesn't put on MLS to share with the rest of the real estate community and the vast network of public marketing sources.  This kind of listing may be appealing to a particular kind of Seller (such as someone in the public eye - politician, professional athlete, or other high-profile individual, or perhaps someone in a divorce situation).  For those wanting to keep their listing information private, brokerages may take it as a "firm exclusive" company listing.  Sellers who choose to keep their listing private, must sign a certification indicating that the seller, the listing brokerage, or any other entity cannot publicly market the listing in any way.  The decision to go with a "firm exclusive" listing is one that must be considered carefully by a seller, as it greatly limits the number of buyers who will know that the property is for sale.

According to CANOPY MLS:

As noted above, third party vendors (such as home stagers and photographers) and home owners are also prohibited from including anything about the listing at their websites or on social media.  Once a property has been publicly advertised by anyone, it must be placed in MLS within 1 business day.

The great advantage to MLS is that the property gets maximum exposure.  The more people who see the listing, the greater the chances for showings and a sale.

If there is concern about having people come through a home during the COVID-19 pandemic, sellers can request only virtual showings or the listing agent can make arrangements for showings to follow strict CDC guidelines for social distancing, wearing of masks, removal of (or covering) shoes, and use of disinfectant wipes on all touched surfaces. 



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