GAOR/i-Tech MLS Guidance on Virtual Open Houses
GAOR provides the following guidance on specific questions we have received about livestreaming Open Houses.
Normally, posting a video or virtual tour that includes your marketing is a violation of MLS Rules 11.5, regarding Virtual Tours, and 12.5, Misuse of Public Remarks. In response to the current situation, we want to help agents and their clients protect themselves while showing property. As a temporary solution, you may livestream your Open House using a service such as Zoom, Facebook Live, GoToMeeting, or other third-party service under the following conditions:
- Livestream is open and accessible to the public.
- Livestream is not recorded nor distributed on email, websites or social media, nor posted to a video hosting site such as YouTube or Vimeo.
- Livestream takes place only within the hours of the Open House, after which it is no longer accessible.
- The showing agent maintains full control over livestream tools including smartphones, computers, cameras and microphones.
- A mention and a link to the livestream may be posted in Public Remarks and it may include your marketing and contact information.
CRMLS Guidance on Virtual Open Houses
Virtual Open Houses/Showings
: CRMLS is allowing agents to put links to live events where agents can host Virtual Open Houses. This could be Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Skype, Zoom or any other platform for period of time limited in duration like an Open House would be.
Video/Virtual Tours
: CRMLS will also allow for a non-branded Virtual Tour to be listed in the Public Remarks as well as the Virtual Tour Link section.
All of this information is subject to change!
Please stay informed and stay tuned for updates from GAOR, CRMLS, NAR and C.A.R.