I'm sorry, but the "A" for "Active" status on the MLS does NOT mean....................

"A"sk me and maybe I'll tell you if I feel like it.

"A"fter I make up my mind if I really should change the status, maybe I will

"A"dvertising that the property is still available so that I can fish out more buyer leads

"A"t the time, it seemed like a good idea

"A"fter I get an answer from the bank, then I'll change it

"A"sk me, and I'll probably lie to you and say I forgot to change the status

"A"fter I accepted an offer in writing, I really wasn't sure if they were good buyers, so I'm leaving it for now

"A"fter the buyer removes contingencies, I'll think about it

"A"ll this time I thought my assistant was supposed to change it

"A"dd that to my To-Do list

 

I can't tell you how many times over the past few months I've called an agent on a listing that was showing as active and when I contact them with showing instructions, they've given me some convoluted reason why they already have an accepted offer but "forgot" to change the status to Pending or Backup.

So many times I'll have a buyer get excited about a home, want to see it, and then when I get the scoop on the property, I find out that they have an accepted offer.  Then my client wants to know why it's showing as available and I have to try and explain to them why it's not, and have to explain why the listing agent is such a Lame-O.

Or better yet, the property shows as Active, vacant on lockbox, I show the property to my buyer, they love it, I call to get info on the property, and the listing agent tells me they have an accepted offer.

Do they realize how they are wasting my and everyone else's valuable time by not doing what they're supposed to do and change the status on the MLS?

Boy, let me tell you, I am VERY trigger happy with the "Report A Violation" button on my MLS these days.  

It's really simple:  Just do what your supposed to do and don't try to manipulate the system, and everything and everyone will be just fine.

Once you have an accepted offer, change the status to either Pending or Backup (or similar, depending on the status terms of your local MLS).

The best thing to do, if you're unsure about an offer that you've accepted,  is to change the status to "Backup Offers" so that the property can still be marketed and visible to buyers.

Is that too difficult?  This way, everyone can have the right to make their own decision about the property and not be mislead.

I've said it before and I'll say it again:  Knowledge is King, TRANSPARENCY is Queen........

 
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22 Comments on I'm sorry, but the "A" for "Active" status on the MLS does NOT mean....................

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JAN
22
2011
786,165 Points 85 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Megan,

So true.

Then on the flip side, you get some agents who get upset that you're calling on the status.  But it's because of the behavior of some agents that we have to call on the status.
11:45am • #3
1,360,817 Points 93 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

We call to schedule all showings in my market so the frustration of showing an in contract property there is less chance of because of a few systems in place (showing service or front desk) keep that frustration from happening...

and I think our market is slow NOW what happened last spring and will happen again shortly with some homes selling very quick and not being changed in MLS is a faint memory for me. We are so seasonal and the snow and cold is here.  

More trouble with homes that are advertised while they are "in contract" because you really do not know what is going to close.  Buyers who believe it really, really is for sale... not just being marketed online because the contract is shaky, the lender is flakey... you just never know until it closes.  That I can understand and try to explain to buyers.
11:47am • #4
293,052 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

So true, this is a really frustrating situation. I think it's very unprofessional both for fellow Realtors and for the clients. Thanks for shedding light on this!
11:49am • #5
702,232 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Well done Ralph as this is also one of my pet peeves. Glad you're fast on that 'report the dope' button as I am.  Buyers also don't understand why listing agents continue to advertise the listing after it is already sold.  I feel that is a black eye on our style of doing business.  I know 'it could' fall apart, back up offers, yada, yada, yada.  It shows the desperation of the listing agent & company.
11:51am • #6
535,983 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I feel your pain. Our MLS has all sorts of rules (and penalties) for this. Are they enforced? Nope.
12:21pm • #7
227,559 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Ralph - Whoa - so frustrating to deal with these! That is the PERFECT photo to illustrate this post.
12:27pm • #8
1,118,402 Points 101 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I love that our MLS has a contingent status.  Because I admit that before it did when I had HUGE doubts about a contract I'd leave it Active and put a note to agents in the agent comments about the "contract", but no excuse for just "forgetting" and I have the same frustration with other sites too.  Today I got a zillow lead, I did email her other things but the house whe saw on Zillow as active... closed on January 7th.
12:40pm • #9
797,178 Points 80 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ralph...your right & at least in my area we all know who pulls that trick...we have active pending which allows for the other offer to come in so use it I say!  great post
1:09pm • #10
981,924 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

"A"ghhhhh . . . the sound we make when we hear these lame "a"ss excuses.  So very, very "a"nnoying!!  Good post Ralph!!
1:57pm • #11
578,516 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Ralph,

I believe you hit my pet peave!!!!  That about drives me crazy.
5:09pm • #12
480,874 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

There have been a few posts lately dealing with truth in advertising.  These agents who have issues with the truth build a reputation and we shy away from them but then the buyers see it available and keep asking to see it.  We know it's gone and they think we as in just the good agents are holding out on them. Yuk.
5:34pm • #13
207,833 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ralph - As a listing agent most of my marketing focus is towards other agents ... buyers' agents; we may slip up occasionally, but keeping the information in MLS current is critical to our relationships with colleagues!
9:56pm • #14
354,520 Points 30 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ralph,

THANK YOU! I reblogged your blog to help you get the word out! This is one of my pet peeves! Thank you for writing such a pertintent blog! Credit is given to where credit is due, and you deserve all the credit for this one!!!

Thanks!
10:21pm • #15
394,555 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Chris, as much as that bugs me, nothing bugs me as much as those that are on Active status and in the agent remarks the agent expects us to "not call about status" and trust that "the MLS is updated daily" at that point I won't even show that listing.. If I can't get the listing agent on the phone I will not be showing my clients your property, getting you on the phone is your way of showing me your going to be handling your brunt of the load and do it correctly!
10:25pm • #16
725,710 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Ralph... updating the status in MLS takes only a few moments, so why do so many agents find it so difficult to do on a timely basis?
11:34pm • #17
JAN
23
2011
1,157,481 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ralph I saw more of this in the recent market.  With deals falling agents were afford to change the status, this presented a problem for buyer's agents and clients.
2:42am • #18
881,189 Points 10 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Our MLS has a status - ACT with a flag, means the offer is accepted but backup offers are welcome until certain contingencies are satisfied - including mortgage. So easy to still market the home almost till closing!

And believe me, even after this great opportunity, some agents don't set the flag! I remember I ended up showing a home three times to my buyers, discussed all the details of the offer with them and spend some more time, sent the offer, just to be informed that...well, we already have an accepted offer! Why do these agents 'play' with the system? Why don't they respect other agents' time? I never understood this. Never.

Though I just don't 'click' - and forget about it....I know I should not.
1:54pm • #19
612,806 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

What, Ralph?  You don't like wasting YOUR time because of these inconsiderate agents?  The last time I was out working with buyers on a Saturday, they loved A house.  We went back at the end of the day to re-look at it.  That's it - let's write up a contract.  Spent some time writing it up, getting evreything together, etc.  Called the agent to tell her I was sending in a contract.  She said it went to contract on Friday and was accepted by the sellers.  So, why wasn't it changed in MLS?  Oh, their office assistants do that and only work Monday through Friday.  So, all those showings from the other agents on Saturday and Sunday - when I was there two different times, there were 7 other agents showing clients the same property.  I guess we're just chopped liver!!!!
3:46pm • #20
118,281 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I just don't get it!
5:28pm • #21
JAN
29
2011
5 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Hi Ralph:  What a great idea to report the violation! I never thought of it. . . the most annoying ones to me are the short sales that have an offer they're negotiating with the bank. They stay active f-o-r-e-v-e-r, and I have clients calling on the same ones over and over and over.
8:50pm • #22

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