Who can advertise a listing?

The most common query from members is about advertis­ing. Who can advertise a listing? Who can advertise a listing that has sold? Can I advertise the selling price? The graphic below is an attempt to try to answer these questions.

Who can advertise a listing?

There are 6 basic principles when it comes to advertising a property:

1.        The listing contract restricts advertising the property to the listing brokerage. This restriction runs from the effec­tive date of the listing to the completion of sale. If you want to advertise another member’s listing, you must get their permission.

2.        A co-operating brokerage is permitted to advertise its involvement in the sale once the sale has been reported by MLS.

3.        Between the time of the reporting of the sale by MLS and the completion of the sale, the sale price must not be advertised.

4.        After completion date, the sale price and date become public information. There have been no rulings that state this information cannot be published after completion of the sale.

5.        “Advertising” does not include your need to use sold information for the purpose of CMAs or working with a client. You’re free to use any available information for this purpose. However, “advertising” does include hand–delivered flyers, newspaper ads and all other methods of mass distribution.

An exception is internet advertising through the Reci­procity program for active listings. Reciprocity is avail-able through your office and permits you to advertise all MLS listings on your personal or corporate website.

6.        The bottom line on advertising is this:
Do not publish, circulate or advertise in any way another brokerage’s listing without their permission.