The NY State Alliance of MLS’s, a regional joint venture of the Multiple Listing Services in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse,
adopted updated MLS Rules on May 4, 2020.
The updates in this case help our combined MLS staff assure that the MLS operates in a manner which satisfies the requirements of Local, State and National rules, regulations, and laws while meeting the needs of participating REALTORS® and the interests of the buying and selling public.
The minor clarifications to the rules are with regard to what is appropriate in Public Remarks and in listing photos. As the rule already stated, information in Public Remarks are to be related to characteristics of the property itself only. This means call to action and or marketing info is not permitted.
To avoid any possible violation notices, please review the Public Remarks within all of your current listings by May 31, 2020.
Words like "call" are no longer acceptable.
The only exceptions will be if another MLS rule states that something must be displayed within the Public Remarks. For example, Delayed Showing/Negotiation info and or a recommendation from the MLS that certain verbiage is allowed such as what is temporarily recommended until in person open houses are allowed “Until the NY executive order is lifted, a virtual open house is available. Please do not go to the property.”.
In addition, the rules now clarify that
a banner on a photo is considered “personal promotion” and is not allowed
.
View these clarifications to the rules which are noted in
red text
.
