It has always been a rule that if a listing is Active in the MLS system, then it IS immediately available to be shown (realMLS Rules & Regulations , Section 2, Page 9).  Recently, some listing agents are getting Active status confused with Withdrawn status.

Active listings must be immediately available for showing.  It would be misrepresenting the availability of the listing to potential buyers and buyer’s agents if the listing were Active but could not be shown.

Withdrawn is “temporarily off the market”.  If a listing has been Active on the market and being shown, but, due to circumstances (unforeseen or planned), the property cannot be shown for a 48 or more period of time then the listing status must be changed to Withdrawn. When ready to be shown again (the repairs are complete, or visitors have left, or illness is gone…) the listing status should then be changed to Active.

To clarify, the 48 hour or more rule is not to be used for new listings. Specifying a future date when showings will be allowed is prohibited on Active listings.

realMLS strives to provide the cleanest and most comprehensive listing data.  We do so by enforcing realMLS Rules & Regulations and the realMLS Policy Manual. To avoid penalties for violations, please adhere to our Rules & Regulations. For more information review our Data Integrity Policy. 

Access our Policy Manual and Rules & Regulations or login to Flexmls>FORMS/Info>realMLS By-laws/PolicyManual/Rules & Regulations.