Insights - NorthstarMLS

What’s New in NorthstarMLS Rules and Compliance

In recent months, there have been some updates and new interpretations to the Clear Cooperation Policy. Though we did not need to make any system updates since we were already in compliance with the NAR policy change, we have updated our policy manual to ensure compliance with NAR’s changes and interpretations. You can review the...

Ask David: How Do Manufactured Homes Differ from Modular Homes?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether a property is manufactured, modular or something else entirely, you’re not alone. These terms often get mixed up — even in MLS listings — but they mean very different things. Knowing the difference isn’t just helpful for your clients; it’s also critical for accurate listing input and compliance...

Protect Buyers and Sellers with These Safety Tips

Safety when Showing Homes Showing homes is a core activity in real estate. Protecting yourself, your buyers and your sellers should be top of mind. Before going to a showing, there is a lot you can do to help make your visit as safe as possible, including: Check with your Broker to see if they...

The Rules Behind NorthstarMLS Statuses

NorthstarMLS has several statuses that can be utilized when inputting listings in the MLS. Let’s take a look at what they are and how to use them correctly. Before we get started, let’s talk about when to input the listing into the MLS. NorthstarMLS policy requires the listing to be added to the MLS within...

Are You Following these Nine Showing Etiquette Best Practices?

We’ve shared a lot of showing etiquette with you over the years, and here’s a good list of nine best practices that, when applied with a side of good common sense, can help ensure a pleasant house hunting experience for everyone involved. Schedule appointments and be sure they are approved. Remember, before you can schedule...

Got Media?

Photos, virtual tours, floor plans, oh my! How and what to choose for your listing? The options are endless! In this forever-changing world of ways to showcase properties, let’s break down what is acceptable in the MLS. Photos Adding photos to the MLS is an important part of helping sellers sell their home. Photos...

Confused by Coming Soon Form Listing Dates?

While your client is busy cleaning up and getting ready to stage their property, you’re looking at the Coming Soon Listing Authorization Form, where the Contract Date and Contract Expiration Date lines have caused you to pause. Not sure what dates to enter? Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it! Coming Soon Listing Authorization...

Spring 2025 MLS Data Integrity Update

While you’re busy helping buyers and sellers navigate the real estate marketplace, the NorthstarMLS Rules & Regulations team is busy ensuring the superior data quality you and your clients expect from NorthstarMLS listings. Late Listings Still on the Rise As we reviewed data for the first quarter of 2025 we noticed an interesting trend: Late...

Preventing Unauthorized Access to a Property

Every month thousands of showings are scheduled in ShowingTime for properties listed in NorthstarMLS. Agents arrive at their appointed times with their buyers, conduct showings and leave at or before the end of the time they’ve reserved. While it’s easy to think this “just happens” or “is just common sense,” you’re following MLS rules to...

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