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Use of the word MLS Listings on company web sites

By Edward Walker

Services for Real Estate Pros with Mel Foster Co.

June 18, 2007 08:28 AM

We had an agent attend a workshop over the weekend in Chicago and came back today saying he was told that it is illegal to use the term/word MLS Listings when used in conjunction with property searching on a company web site. I could find nothing in NAR regulations so stating. Is anyone familiar with this? I do know that it is a term that the majority of the public is unfamiliar with and a different term should be used, but this is the first I have heard about been illegal. Feedback please.

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Leigh Brown

Leigh Brown & Associates, RE/MAX Executive - Charlotte, NC

CEO, Dream Maker - Charlotte, NC

It's usually a rule tied to the local boards. The appropriate phrase to use is IDX since the public does not have full information available. The IDX feeds are limited information and it's misleading to the public to call it MLS since MLS is a co-op agreement between brokers.

Jun 18, 2007 08:42 AM

Fred Pickard

Fred Pickard Innovations Realty Inc - Hershey, PA

Hershey, PA

It does depend on the local MLS rules, The MLS is more than just active listings, so some systems feel that use of that term devalues the entire MLS.

On a side note, with all of the attempts being made right now to turn the MLS systems into some kind of public utility, using a term like "Search for Homes for Sale" or "Available listings in .........." might be a better way to label your search function

Jun 18, 2007 10:03 PM

Eileen Landau

BAIRD & WARNER, NAPERVILLE - Naperville, IL

ABR, CRS, e-PRO

Ed,

As I told you and Lucky, I was told that this was coming from NAR.

However, I found my fact sheet and it clearly states that our MLS, Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois has instituted a major policy change effective September 15, 2007.

The new rule in Section 38 says that we (agents/brokers) may NOT use the term MLS on our websites, our domain names, or email names, or as website names. They will be enforcing this.

And, they also talk about the DOJ problems and that our MLS is NOT A PUBLIC UTILITY. And, they intend to keep it that way.

They may be too late, I fear.

Jun 24, 2007 05:56 AM

Greg Zaccagni

The Federal Savings Bank - Wheaton, IL

Illinois Mortgage Lender

Does this mean the webistes like Realtor.com cannon use the term MLS as well?

Jul 15, 2007 12:25 PM

Edward Walker

Mel Foster Co. - Bettendorf, IA

It now seems like our agent did not get the full story. Some local boards only have started to institute this new rule. It is not going to be a nationwide policy.

Jul 16, 2007 03:02 AM