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 two business days of the listing start date or signature date, whichever is later, when it falls into our service area. Be sure to add your listing to avoid receiving a late listing violation. You can read more about late listing violations here.

Withhold

The withhold status is used primarily for agents that have an active contract with the sellers, but they are not quite ready to go live on the MLS or other websites.

There are several reasons why the withhold status is used: photos are still being taken, damage to the property, painting or carpet cleaning, and so much more. There are occasions when a Brokerage will utilize the Withhold status for office exclusives. Always check with your Broker to see if they allow office exclusive listings. These listing must be listed in the MLS as Withheld and there cannot be any public marketing or showings outside of the Brokerage/clients.

Information about a Withheld listing can be provided to individual agents from outside the brokerage on a one-to-one basis, but the property’s listing status must change to “Active” to show their client the property. Always be sure you have the signed Withhold form when entering the listing into the withhold status.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon is another widely used status. This status is used when the sellers would like to get their listing out to the public but are not quite ready to show the property. Coming Soon listings will be syndicated out to all websites. It is okay to create marketing materials and even put signs in the yard. Just remember not to show the property during the Coming Soon status.

If you are unfamiliar with the Coming Soon form and how to fill it out, read more here: Coming Soon Form

Active

When the property is Active, that means it is available to all NorthstarMLS members and their clients. Active listings syndicate out to websites and all marketing and showings are allowed. If the seller would like the listing to be kept off of public websites (like Zillow and Realtor.com) but still wants it to go in auto emails to prospective buyers and other forms of communications, you can choose “No” for all internet options for your listing in Add/Edit. It is very important to remember when there is an offer accepted on an Active property, a contingency option must be added.

Temporarily Not Available for Showings

Let’s say you have an Active property, but the sellers have directed you to remove the listing from marketing and showings temporarily. The perfect status for this situation would be Temporarily Not Available for Showings (TNAS). The property can remain in this status as long as the sellers need it to. Just like with Active status, always add a contingency option when there is an accepted offer in the TNAS status.

No marketing, including a yard sign, and no showings are allowed during the TNAS status.

Many agents ask, “How do I know when to change my listing’s status to Pending?” If the sellers have accepted an offer and do not want any more showings, Pending would be the best fit status.

If you would like to see all listing status options they can be found on our website (Northstarmls.com) under Listing Status Guide.