This video outlines CVRMLS compliance requirements for showings and open houses, including listing status rules, agent responsibilities, and best practices to avoid violations.
Before conducting a showing or open house, the listing must be in Active status in the MLS. Listings cannot be shown if they are coming Soon, office Exclusive, or subject to delayed showing restrictions.
If a seller wants to allow showings for a Coming Soon listing, the listing must be moved to Active status before the showing occurs. If delayed showing has been authorized, the listing agent must remove all delayed showing restrictions prior to any showings.
Only Active listings may be shown. This applies to all showing types:
- Private showings
- Buyer walkthroughs
- Broker tours
- Agent previews
- Any event providing property access
Open houses are considered public showings and are subject to the same rules as private showings.
Buyer Agent Responsibilities
- Buyer agents must follow all showing instructions.
- Showings are not transferable without notification. If another agent attends in your place the listing agent must be notified in advance.
- Never access a property without required permission. Unauthorized access may result in lockbox violations, even if accidental.
When using a Sentrilock lockbox:
- Open the lockbox and retrieve the key.
- Close the lockbox immediately to trigger the “start of showing” notification.
- After showing, re-open to return the key to trigger the “end of showing” notification.
- Ensure that you close the lockbox securely.
Transcript
Hi everyone. In this video we will walk through the CVR MLS compliance rules for open houses and showings. Whether you are new to real estate or a seasoned pro these tips will help you avoid potential mistakes.
Let’s start with open houses. There can be confusion about whether some types of open houses are considered “showings”. The answer is yes – open houses are a public form of showing.
Here are the key requirements. Before you conduct an open house, the listing must be in Active status in the MLS. Listings in Coming Soon status, under delayed showing instructions, or office exclusives may not be shown. That includes public open houses, private previews for agents, Broker-only tours, or any marketing event involving access to the property.
Now let’s move on to showings. Just like with open houses, only Active listings can be shown. This again applies to all showing formats – private showings, previews, broker tours, and buyer walkthroughs. If a seller decides to allow a showing under a Coming Soon status, you must move the listing to active prior to that showing. Similarly, if the seller decides to permit a showing with delayed showing instructions, the agent must remove all of the delayed showing restriction information from the showing before the showing occurs.
Buyer agents, we have a few tips for you, as well. Always follow the showing instructions listed in the MLS – whether it’s Showingtime, a confirmed appointment, or agent accompaniment. Never access a property without confirmed permission if the listing requires it. Unauthorized showings, even if accidental, may result in lockbox violations. Remember that showing appointments are not transferable unless you notify the listing agent. If a teammate or firm colleague is going to a showing in your place, make sure you notify the listing agent so they are aware. If the listing has a SentriLock lockbox, be sure to open the box, retrieve the key and then close the box so that that the “beginning of showing” notification is sent to the listing agent in a timely manner. The listing agent will then receive an “end of showing” notification when you open the box to put the key back in. Be sure to close the lockbox after returning the key.
If you are ever unsure and have questions, check with your broker or reach out to the Compliance team for guidance. You can reach us by emailing [email protected] or calling 804-422-5004.
