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Send to friend| FYI | September 2009 |  |
September Dues and Fees Waived!
The Metro MLS Board of Directors is pleased to announce the waiver of the September Broker Dues and Agent Fees! The MLS is pleased to continue to be one of the most cost effective and progressive MLS services in the country and is proud of its high level of customer service and the reliability that you expect. The MLS continues to offer new and improved services while maintaining low fees for these services.
Rent/Option to Buy
A few members have asked if there is a way to advertise properties that are available for rent/lease. The answer is yes. If the property is available for sale but the seller is also willing to rent/lease the property, you can indicate under the Detail, Financing Available, “Rent/Option to Buy”. In the Private remarks you may disclose the terms of the rental. Metro MLS will continue to review other options to assist brokers and agents with properties available for lease or rent.
Listings and the Realtor® Code of Ethics
A discussion at a recent NAR meeting wandered into the area of Realtors® re-listing properties in order to get a new MLS number. These “new” listings appear on a “hot sheet” as a new listing and reset the days on market. The Code of Ethics Article 1 requires Realtors® to promote their clients interests and certainly both agents and brokers use their best skills and tools to do just that. But is the churning or re-listing of properties at odds with Article 12?
Article 12 speaks to Realtors® being honest and truthful in their real estate communications – that they will present a “true picture” in their advertising, marketing and other representations - with buyers and sellers as well as other Realtors®. The “true picture” that Realtors® must present is the picture that consumers see and understand. While a listing contract may be technically “new”, the property itself is not “new” to the market. While technically consistent with rules, it may result in a less-than-true picture to consumers.
Metro MLS works diligently to assist agents and brokers with the communication of their listings to consumers and other Realtors®. It is also the source of data on market activity. Please keep in mind your obligations under the Code of Ethics as well as the accurate presentation of the market activity and available properties to the larger community of cooperating brokers.
We appreciate your business and support and look forward to your comments, questions and suggestions regarding any subject. Contact (InMyOpinion@metromls.com) or call (414) 778-5400.
