Please note: this article is a snapshot of a message that was posted on the MLS system at some point within the last year. Things evolve rapidly in our industry, and the information in this article may have changed since it was first published. Compliance Corner articles are not updated after they are published, even if the information contained within has changed.
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Compliance Corner #19
February 17, 2020
SIGNS – SIGNS – SIGNS
The SmartMLS Compliance Department gets a lot inquiries regarding signs (For Sale, Sold, Brokerage signs, etc.) and rules surrounding their proper usage. We would like to use this week’s Compliance Corner to try to provide some clarification on this topic.
Please note: while many of these guidelines are directly from SmartMLS Rules and Regulations and/or Standards of Practices, others are local zoning regulations over which we have no control. Always check with your local Town Hall/Zoning Department for the final word when it comes to sign placement, size, wording, etc.
Article 6 of the Rules and Regulations:
Section 6.2 “For Sale” Signs. Only the “For Sale” signs of the Listing Broker may be placed on a Listed Property.
Section 6.3 “Sold” Signs. Prior to the closing of a sale of a Listed Property, only the “sold” sign of the Listing Broker may be placed on the Listed Property, except that, if authorized by the Listing Broker, the “sold “sign of a Cooperating Broker may also be placed on the Listed Property.
What kinds of listings can have signs?
- Traditional available for sale listings can have a For Sale sign placed in front of them.
- Properly documented Coming Soon or Withhold from MLS listings can have a For Sale sign.
- Delayed entry listings cannot have any sign whatsoever.
- REO Properties- while in preparation for coming to market, these listings may require ”In Case of Emergency” contact information to be placed in a visible spot on the property. These small signs are allowed, but they cannot advertise any agent/office information. The only permissible information is a phone number to contact if an emergency arises.
Why can’t my office sign show in the photos I have uploaded to my listing?
Photos that display any type of office/agent/team signage are not allowed in the MLS. This type of marketing is considered to be branding, which is strictly prohibited by SmartMLS. For more details about this policy, please see Article 4.1.7 of our Rules and Regulations.
As always, please feel free to contact the Compliance Team for additional information.
Compliance questions? Send an email to compliance@smartmls.com or call us at 203-750-6000.
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