GLAR News: REALTOR Direct - April 20, 2020

The MLS Rules & Regulations have been updated to adopt the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) mandated Clear Cooperation Policy. The new MLS rules are now in effect; however, enforcement of these new rules starts on May 1, 2020 to allow members to get in compliance.

1. LISTING PROCEDURES: Listings of real or personal property, which are listed subject to a real estate Broker’s license, are located within the service area of the Multiple Listing Service, and are taken by Participants on indicated form(s) of listing(s) accepted by the MSI, shall be input into the MLS database within one business day of the effective date of the listing.

1.01 CLEAR COOPERATION: Within one (1) business day of marketing a property to the public, the listing broker must submit the listing to the MLS for cooperation with other MLS participants. Public marketing includes, but is not limited to, flyers displayed in windows, yard signs, digital marketing on public-facing websites, brokerage website displays (including IDX and VOW), digital communications marketing (email blasts), multi-brokerage listing sharing networks, and applications available to the general public.

1.5 EXEMPT LISTINGS: All exclusive listings accepted by Participants must be sent to MSI. However, if the Seller(s) refuses to permit the listing to be disseminated by MSI, the Participant may then take the listing ("Office Exclusive") and such listing shall be filed with MSI within 48 hours after all necessary signatures of the Seller(s) have been obtained, but not disseminated to the Participants. Filing of the listing should be accompanied by certification signed by the seller that the seller does not desire the listing to be disseminated by the service.

Note: MLS Participants must distribute exempt listings within (1) one business day once the listing is publicly marketed. See Section 1.01, Clear Cooperation.

Click here to view the MSI Office Exclusive Certification form. This form and a copy of the Listing Contract must be sent to the MLS for any "Office Exclusive".

2.502 TEMPORARILY OFF MARKET LISTINGS: Listings of property that cannot be shown for more than seven (7) days must be entered into Temporarily Off Market status until such time as the property may be shown. A copy of the "MSI Temporarily Off Market" form shall be submitted to MSI within 48 hours after all necessary signatures of Seller(s) have been obtained for all properties placed into Temporarily Off Market status. Third-party owned properties that prohibit showings are exempt from this rule provided that the third party owned status is disclosed in agent notes. In the event a seller becomes unresponsive to inquiries and offers, the listing broker may change the listing status of the property to Temporarily Off Market without the seller’s signature. Any limitations on the showing of active properties must be disclosed in agent notes.

Click here to view MSI Temporarily Off Market form.

As Realtors®, we pride ourselves in being true professionals in the industry, someone that guides and advises our clients through their real estate transactions. We are required to present the most accurate and authentic depiction of a property in any advertising or representation. Altering photos or use of images that do not present a factual representation of a listing is a violation of this obligation (Section 16.25 of MLS Rules and Regs). Consumers express frustration when listing photos do not give an accurate portrayal of a property and that action not only causes distrust but reflects poorly on our profession. Please make every effort to ensure that your listing photos accurately reflect the property you are representing. It's not only your obligation, but it is also good business.

Tech Helpline is our newest member benefit, offering you support for hardware, software, networking and digital devices. The helpline troubleshoots non-MLS tech problems and offer solutions, often by connecting remotely to your computer. This benefit is free with your member dues, at no additional charge!

Slow computer?
Printing issues?
Browser headaches?
Smartphone questions?

Our new Tech Helpline can assist you! Support is available to members Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time via call, chat or email. Find out more here.

In the initial weeks of its introduction, more than 25,000 members and their families nationwide are receiving coverage through Members TeleHealth. Because of the tremendous response, NAR leaders have decided to extend the offer through May 31. The Leadership Team cited their strong feeling that REALTORS® and their families should have access to telemedicine at this time. Their message to members: "Stay home, stay safe. Nothing is more important than your health and welfare." Learn more.

Now is the Perfect Time to Get Your CE Via Webinar!

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, GLAR has suspended all in-person classes. However, on May 19th and 21st, we will be offering two webinar courses via Zoom, which will fulfill the CE requirements for all real etate licensees for 2020.

If you need all 6 hours of CE, please register for Core on May 19th from 9am-4pm, which will fulfill all 6 hours required. If you only need 3 additional hours, register for Advertising Laws and Ethics on May 21st from 9am-Noon, which will fulfill 3 hours of law CE as well as the NAR® Ethics requirement.

Members can register for classes at http://ims.lbr.org You will need to download the Zoom app at https://zoom.us/download. You will receive an email with further instructions prior to the class start date. Questions? Email Education@LouisvilleRealtors.com.