Yesterday, March 26, 2020, the Metro MLS Board of Directors virtually met to discuss making changes to our business rules that meet the challenges of today due to these unprecedented times caused by COVID-19. The board took decisive action, and effective immediately, for the duration of the crisis, are the following changes:
1.) Active Properties No Longer Require Showings.
2.) In-Person Open House Information Is Disabled in MLS.
The BOD unanimously voted to temporarily remove In-Person Open House(s) from the MLS, in order to comply with Governor Evers
Stay Safer at Home
order. Please review
NARs COVID-19
recommendations for your business.
This removal does not carry the authority to prohibit open houses all together or attempt to dictate your business and your choices as an independent contractor.
We simply believe facilitating information about Open Houses through the MLS sends the wrong message.
3.) Unbranded Links to Virtual Tours, Virtual Showings, and Virtual Open Houses are Allowed in the Public Remarks.
For now, members can post ONLY unbranded links to virtual tours, virtual showings and virtual open houses in the public remarks. Under any circumstance, do NOT post HTML code in public remarks, many syndicators will remove remarks all together if you do.
Acceptable URL format examples:
To learn about Virtual Tours and Virtual Open Houses now available in flexMLS
PRO TIP:
If your seller is not publicly showing their Active listed property due to the COVID-19 recommendation, don't forget to disclose it in the Public Remarks as well. We recommend you first disclose the Virtual Tour/Showing/Open House URL if you have one, followed up with the disclosure:
"Due to the recommendation of social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this property will not be shown per the seller's request."
4.) The Metro MLS Office is Closed to the Public
We are working diligently to continue to provide excellent service to our members while also helping to ensure the safety of our staff. We have changed our logistics, including temporarily closing our office to the public. However, from our perspective business as usual. We are still able to assist you by answering phone calls and emails.
PHONE: 414-778-5400 Technical Support Ext: 1 Data Integrity Ext: 2
5.) We are holding a Town Hall Style Zoom Meeting each week, and You are Invited!
Connect with us LIVE each week via ZOOM. Ask our staff questions including Metro MLS Managers & CEO Chris Carrillo. The ZOOM link will be added to our Facebook and Twitter pages in advance. There is a max attendance of 300 for the live event, so be sure to reserve your spot by logging in on time. If you miss it, don't worry, the recorded version will be available to review.
Also, we still offer 24/7 Training. If you’re finding yourself with some extra downtime, Metro MLS would like to help you to spend it sharpening your skills in FlexMLS. Try to watch at least five videos referencing
Quick Launch
and
Quick Search
listed in the
April training calendar
.
Live Zoom Training events coming soon, which include a drawing for an Amazon Gift Card as an incentive for attending.
Real Estate is Deemed Essential, and We Agree.
Metro MLS Staff
