A question we get at the Board Office a lot is “What is the proper course of action if my listing has expired and my seller(s) would like to re-list?”. Here is what our MLS Policies have to say about the matter:

Expired LESS than 30 Days ago

• Listings that have expired within 30 days can be re-listed if a Modification to Contract form is signed by the seller(s). On-line, the listing agent may copy the existing listing and enter the new expiration date, but must retain the original list date for accuracy in the calculation of days on the market. The signed Modification form indicating the new MLS number must then be submitted to the service within two (2) business days of the seller(s) signature (by mail, fax or email). The REALTOR® can instead execute a NEW EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO SELL within the 30 days. The same rules apply. On-line, the listing agent may copy the existing listing and enter the new expiration date, but must retain the original list date for accuracy in the calculation of days on the market. The signed Exclusive Right to Sell Contract must then be submitted to the service within two (2) business days of the seller(s) signature (by mail, fax or email). If the use of fax is intended, then one can instantly create a virtual fax number & avert the traditional & elaborate process of faxing & can simply fax from Gmail.

Expired MORE than 30 days ago

• Listings that have been expired for more than 30 days must be treated as an entirely new listing, and the submission requirements indicated in the “Contract Submission policy” herein, must be followed (including Complete Exclusive Right to Sell / Exclusive Agency property details must be submitted to the MLS Service within two (2) business days after all necessary signatures of the seller(s) have been obtained for verification). For ease of entry, the listing information can still be electronically copied. This is not considered an extension of a contract, so the listing date must be changed to reflect the new contract information.

The thing to note is:

• Listings must be off the market for no less than 30 days in order to restart the days on market calculations, unless re-listed by another brokerage.

This means you must take extra care when copying your listings within flexmls. To avoid a warning for manipulating Days on the Market, please add a couple extra seconds (to the very quick copy process) to check that your listing’s begin and end dates are correct.

What is the difference between “full copy” and “copy” in flexmls?

“Full copy” makes a complete copy of a MLS listing (all fields are filled in the same way that they were previously entered). This new copy is given a new MLS number. “Copy” makes a partial copy of a MLS listing (some fields such as listing and co-listing member and items such as list date, expiration date, price, and compensation are wiped out). You must re-enter the information in these fields before saving the listing and creating a new MLS number.

When would you use “full copy” versus “copy” in flexmls?

“Full copy” is a great tool to use when your listing has expired and will be re-listed within a short time frame. If your listing information is pretty much unchanged, “full copy” is the way to go. Just be sure you change the expiration date to match your new terms and be sure NOT to change the list date (unless your listing has been expired/off the market for over 30 days). “Full copy” is also the way to go if you are creating a listing under multiple property types. Many details will transfer over, and you will only have to input details that are unique to different property types.

We would recommend using the “copy” feature if you are re-listing a property after much time has passed or many details have changed. This way you will be sure to submit a listing to publication that is current and accurate. *On a related note, you may not “Copy” or “Full Copy” a listing that was previously listed by another brokerage. You must obtain permission from the broker to use this information even if you were previously the listing agent.

How do you “full copy” a listing within flexmls?

Locate the “Full Copy” button in the drop down menu under the “Add/Change” tab in flexmls.

 

 

 

Type in the MLS number that you would like to copy. The permission to copy photos is    automatically checked off.

 

 

 

 

 

The next page allows you to choose the property type you would like to copy your listing to. Select “Next” to continue to the edit listing screen. Once there, you will see that all of your previous information has copied over. Give that information a once-over and make an edit to your expiration date if you are extending your listing. Be sure NOT to change the list date (unless your listing has been expired/off the market for over 30 days). Select “Add Listing” at the top of the page and a new MLS number will be created for your listing.

 

 

 

 

How do you “copy” a listing within flexmls?

 Locate the “Copy” button in the drop down menu under the “Add/Change” tab in flexmls.

 

 

 

 

 Type in the MLS number that you would like to copy. The permission to copy photos is automatically checked off.

 

 

 

 

 

The next page allows you to choose the property type you would like to copy your listing to. Select “Next” to continue to the edit listing screen. Once there, you will see that ONLY SOME of your previous information has copied over.

 

 

 

 

Remember, “Copy” makes only a partial copy of a MLS listing. Some fields such as listing and co-listing member and items such as list date, expiration date, price, and compensation are wiped out. You must re-enter the information in these fields before saving the listing at the top of the page and creating a new MLS number. If you are using the “copy” feature and your listing has not been off of the market for over 30 days, be sure that you have entered the list date as the date on which you first listed your seller(s)’ property.