Category: MLS

To improve search functionality and provide a more consistent experience for MLS subscribers, the following updates will take effect on August 25, 2025:

  • District/Neighborhood/Sub Field Requirement: Currently required for Residential and Lease Rental listings, this field will now be required for all property classes for consistency.
  • New Building Type Option: “Detached Leased Land” will be added as an option in the Building Type field for the Residential property class.
  • New Utility Feature: For the Lots and Land property class, “Septic System” will be added to the Utility on Site feature category.
  • New Terms Option: “Potential Loan Rate Buydown” will be added to the Terms feature category.

These changes are designed to help you enter listings more accurately and make property searches more precise for all users.

Paragon MLS will install release 12.2/12.3 on Tuesday, August 26. The downtime deployment will begin at 8pm on Tuesday August 26, and will be complete by Wednesday, August 27 at 3am. Paragon will be unavailable during this time. 

Share Multiple Listings via Email (Collaboration Center)

We’ve enhanced the listing sharing experience in the Collaboration Center. Buyers can now select and share multiple listings (up to 6) in a single email — making it easier for recipients to view and compare options all in one place.

New Manual Share Email Template (Collaboration Center)

The latest update introduces a refreshed email template that makes shared listings clearer, more personal, and easier to act on.

Media Gallery View

A new Media Gallery has been added to Paragon Connect, offering a streamlined, full-page view of all listing media in one convenient place. This updated experience replaces the old, tabbed layout on the listing detail page and now allows you to quickly access photos, videos, documents, and maps—even from the thumbnail view. Previously, tapping a listing would only open the photo gallery—now it opens the full media gallery, giving you a more complete view of the property’s media content right from the start. The gallery opens in a full-page modal.

Radius Distance Label on Map

Users can now get instant visual feedback when creating custom search areas on the map in both Paragon Connect and Collaboration Center by displaying the radius size after drawing a radius shape. This enhancement helps users better understand the area they’ve selected and improves overall map usability.

Review all of the enhancements here.  Questions, please call our MLS Tech Support at 925.730.7100.

We’ve updated several MLS Rules for improved clarity and compliance, including Coming Soon listings, sales reporting, photo policies, and public remarks. Please review the full updates below:

MLS Rule Update – Effective 8/18/2025

Red = Add, Blue = Remove, Green = Reason for the change

Updated the rule language for improved clarity and to ensure consistent interpretation across all users.
MLS Rule Section 10.1.1 Coming Soon Listings. It shall be the responsibility of the Broker Participant (Section 4.1.1) and Real Estate Subscriber (Section 4.2.1) to follow said rules when placing a property in the Coming Soon section of the multiple listing service (MLS). Broker Participant and Real Estate Subscriber shall only place a property in the Coming Soon section of the MLS if the Participant/Subscriber has met necessary criteria for MLS input as described in Sections 7.5, 7.6, and 8.1.

Important information surrounding Coming Soon Listings:
1. It is optional to place your listing into the Coming Soon Status.
2. Listing agent must have a signed written listing agreement in place to enter a “Coming Soon” listing which explains the limitations of the “Coming Soon” status.
3. Coming Soon listings will be viewable to all MLS Participants.
4. Coming Soon listings will not be syndicated out to other websites.
5. Coming Soon listings are included in the VOW data feed but will not be included in the IDX and data feeds.
6. Coming Soon listings are not allowed to be placed into open houses or broker tour modules within the MLS.
7. Coming Soon listings are only searchable within the Paragon MLS.
8. Once a listing has been moved from Coming Soon to Active status by the agent, it cannot revert to Coming Soon with that same broker. Once an agent changes a listing from Coming Soon to New/Active status, it cannot be reverted to Coming Soon Status.
9. Days on Market (DOM) re-sets when status is changed to New/Active
10. Agent showing is allowed
11. Once Coming Soon status is entered, public marketing is allowed.
12. Upon request, all Paragon MLS Coming Soon data can be in Broker back-office data feeds. However, Coming Soon listings may not be displayed or integrated into any public-facing products or websites, except for listings belonging to the listing brokerage.
13. Photos are optional.

Why the change: Added a 30-day deadline for entering Comparable (Comps) Listings to promote timely and accurate market data.
MLS Rule Section 10.2 Reporting of Sales. Listings with accepted offers shall be reported to the MLS or input into the MLS database as “pending” within 3 days of the acceptance, by the listing broker unless the negotiations were carried on under Section 9.1 (a) or (b), in which case, the buyer broker shall notify the listing broker of the “pending” status within 3 days after acceptance, whereby the listing broker shall then report or input the status change to the MLS within 3 days after receiving notice from the buyer broker. The listing shall be published on the MLS as pending with no price or terms prior to the final closing. Upon final closing, the listing broker shall report or input the listing in the MLS as “sold” within 3 days after the final closing date unless the negotiations were carried on under Section 9.1 (a) or (b), in which case, the buyer broker shall notify the listing broker of the “sold” status and selling price within 3 days after the final closing date, whereby the listing broker shall then report or input the status change and selling price within 3 days after receiving notice from the buyer broker. Listings that were not input into the MLS as a result of the seller’s instructions may be input into the MLS “sold” data at the listing broker’s option within 30 days after the closing date. If a listing is entered for comparison purposes only, then “For Comp Purposes Only” shall appear in the first line of confidential remarks. 

Why the change: Refined the rule language for greater clarity and to better align with current practices regarding photo use.
11.5 Photographs on the MLS.
a) By submitting photographs to the MLS, the participant and/or subscriber represents and warrants that he or she either owns the right to reproduce and display such photographs or has procured such rights from the appropriate party and has the authority to grant and hereby grants the MLS and the other Participants and Subscribers the right to reproduce and display the photographs in accordance with these rules and regulations. Use of photographs by a subsequent listing agent requires prior written authorization from the originating listing agent or appropriate party with the legal right to reproduce and display such photographs. Except by the MLS for purposes of protecting its rights under Section 11.6, branding of photographs, virtual tours, or any other photographic representation with any information or additional images is prohibited. However, branded virtual tours will be permitted in the Branded Virtual Tour field for the sole purpose of transmittal to 3rd party vendors only. Upon notification to the Participant and/or Subscriber, MLS has the right to remove any photo found to be out of compliance with the MLS Rules.

b) At least one (1) photo or graphic image of the front exterior of the property accurately displaying the listed property (except where sellers expressly direct in writing that photographs of their property are not to appear in MLS compilations) is required to be posted on the MLS within 1 day of the listing in all categories other than business opportunity, Lots and Land property types and Coming Soon 25 status.

c) To maintain the accuracy and efficiency of the MLS, the MLS will no longer remove photos from sold, Expired, Hold, or Cancelled listings. Alternately, to meet the requests from home buyers and sellers, the MLS will mark the requested photos as private upon written request from the Listing Broker.

Why the change: Removed restrictions on financing language to allow agents more flexibility in providing relevant property details.
12.5.1 Public Remarks Restrictions and Requirements

a. Information in the public remarks shall only relate to the marketing, description, and condition of the property.

b. No contact information is permitted, including names, phone or fax numbers, email addresses or branded website addresses (including branded virtual tours and branded transaction tracking URLs).

c. No showing instructions are permitted, including references to lockbox, alarm, gate or other security codes.

d. No information directed toward real estate agents or brokers, may be shown in public remarks.

e. Listing Content and Fair Housing Laws. All listing information, including all remarks, submitted to the MLS must be in compliance with fair housing laws. The MLS monitors listing content and employs a process for identifying potential violations of fair housing laws. Should potential fair housing law violations be identified, Participants and Subscribers will be advised to immediately remove or correct such potential violations. Failure to remove or correct may subject Participants and Subscribers to discipline and/or subject the listing to immediate removal from display.

f. Seller credits, incentives, or concessions to a buyer are permitted in the Public or Confidential Remarks fields, provided that:

• The remarks specifically identify the intended use of the credits, incentives, or concessions.
• The remarks do not include a dollar amount or percentage.
• The credits, incentives, or concessions are not offered for payment, directly or indirectly, of buyer broker compensation.
• The remarks are otherwise compliant with all MLS Rules.
• For additional information, contact the listing agent.


g. Any compensation or commission information is prohibited.


h. No occupancy information is permitted (for example, whether the property is owner-occupied, tenant-occupied, or vacant). However, a statement that the property shall be delivered vacant is not a violation.

Why the change: Added language to improve understanding and ensure proper handling of photos marked as private in IDX displays.
12.16s Photos: Photos designated as ‘private’ in the MLS are excluded from public display. Displaying such photos on IDX websites is strictly prohibited.

We’re pleased to announce a recent MLS rule update that provides more flexibility and clarity when including information about seller credits and concessions for buyers in your listings.

What’s Changed?

Previously, MLS rules prohibited any mention of seller credits or concessions in Public and Confidential Remarks. Under the updated rule, remarks regarding seller credits, incentives, or concessions to a buyer are permitted in the Public or Confidential Remarks fields, provided it meets the following guidelines:


· The remarks specifically identify the intended use of the credits, incentives, or concessions.
· The remarks do not include a dollar amount or percentage.
· The credits, incentives, or concessions are not offered for payment, directly or indirectly, of buyer broker compensation.
· The remarks are otherwise compliant with all MLS Rules.
· For additional information, contact the listing agent.


How This Helps You
This change is designed to support more transparent communication with agents and buyers, while still ensuring compliance with MLS policies and the spirit of cooperation. By clearly describing how a seller is willing to assist a buyer—without referencing compensation—you can:
• Highlight value-added opportunities in a competitive market
• Better manage buyer expectations

Full MLS Rule Verbiage (changes in red)
MLS Rule Section 12.5.1 Public Remarks Restrictions and Requirements
a. Information in the public remarks shall only relate to the marketing, description, and condition of the property.
b. Advertising of financing terms in public remarks is prohibited.
c. No contact information is permitted, including names, phone or fax numbers, email addresses, or branded website addresses (including branded virtual tours and branded transaction tracking URLs).
d. No showing instructions are permitted, including references to lockbox, alarm, gate, or other security codes.
e. No information directed toward real estate agents or brokers may be shown in public remarks.
f. Listing Content and Fair Housing Laws. All listing information, including all remarks, submitted to the MLS must be in compliance with fair housing laws. The MLS monitors listing content and employs a process for identifying potential violations of fair housing laws. Should potential fair housing law violations be identified, Participants and Subscribers will be advised to immediately remove or correct such potential violations. Failure to remove or correct may subject Participants and Subscribers to discipline and/or subject the listing to immediate removal from display.
g. Seller’s concession or credit information and comments are prohibited.
Seller credits, incentives, or concessions to a buyer are permitted in the Public or Confidential Remarks fields, provided that:
• The remarks specifically identify the intended use of the credits, incentives, or concessions.
• The remarks do not include a dollar amount or percentage.
• The credits, incentives, or concessions are not offered for payment, directly or indirectly, of buyer broker compensation.
• The remarks are otherwise compliant with all MLS Rules.
• For additional information, contact the listing agent.
h. Any compensation or commission information is prohibited.
i. No occupancy information is permitted (for example, whether the property is owner-occupied, tenant-occupied, or vacant). However, a statement that the property shall be delivered vacant is not a violation.

MLS Rule Section 12.5.2 Confidential Remarks Restrictions and Requirement
a. “For Comp Purposes Only” must appear in the first line of confidential remarks when a listing is entered for that purpose.
b. References to codes, burglar alarms, security systems, gate codes, assigned parking space numbers, or combo lockbox codes may only be placed in confidential remarks only with seller’s written permission.
c. Caution: Title or escrow information may be entered in confidential remarks; however, participants/subscribers should note that any verbiage which implies a requirement to use a specific title company or escrow service may be a violation of RESPA. You are advised to seek legal counsel for specific advice when using such verbiage.
d. Except for reciprocal listings, no reference may be made to licensees who are not participants or subscribers.
e. If a seller(s)/landlord(s) has directed that offers are not to be presented for any length of time, seller’s direction authorizing such arrangement shall be in writing, and listing broker shall provide clear and accurate notice of the date/time of presentation of offers as set forth in the written instruction to Participants and Subscribers in the confidential remarks of the MLS notwithstanding seller’s right to accept offers at any time.
f. Seller’s concession or credit information and comments are prohibited.
Seller credits, incentives, or concessions to a buyer are permitted in the Public or Confidential Remarks fields, provided that:
• The remarks specifically identify the intended use of the credits, incentives, or concessions.
• The remarks do not include a dollar amount or percentage.
• The credits, incentives, or concessions are not offered for payment, directly or indirectly, of buyer broker compensation.
• The remarks are otherwise compliant with all MLS Rules.
• For additional information, contact the listing agent.

g. Any compensation or commission information is prohibited.

 

We want to inform you about a new feature now available in Cloud CMA—iBuyer Connect—designed to give agents additional tools and flexibility during the listing process.

What is iBuyer Connect?
iBuyer Connect is an optional tool within Cloud CMA that allows agents to request cash offers from iBuyers on behalf of their clients. This can be a helpful option during listing presentations, offering clients more choices and potentially faster transactions. 

Key Points to Know:

  • Agent Control: No listing or personal information is ever shared with an iBuyer (e.g., Opendoor) unless you, the agent, initiate the request.
  • No Automatic Sharing: Information is only shared on a one-time basis for each request, and only at your direction.
  • Optional Participation: While Associations/MLSs cannot disable this feature, agents can opt out if they prefer not to use or receive emails about it.

How to Unsubscribe:

If you do not wish to receive iBuyer-related emails from Cloud CMA, you can:

For more details and a full FAQ, visit: https://cloudagentsuite.com/ibuyerconnect

Bay East urges members to stay alert as new and evolving fraud schemes continue to impact the real estate profession. From devastating cryptocurrency scams to a rise in deed fraud, these threats underscore the importance of vigilance and awareness in your daily business practices.

Members should be aware of recent fraudulent practices targeting real estate professionals.

A new cryptocurrency scam has emerged, specifically aimed at agents. The U.S. Secret Service has notified organized real estate of this scheme, in which some agents have lost significant sums—including their entire retirement accounts.

Deed fraud is also on the rise. An informal survey conducted by NAR among Government Affairs Directors, state counsel, and Association Executives found:

  • 63% of respondents were aware of deed fraud incidents in their markets within the past 12 months.
  • 76% reported that efforts to combat title fraud and deed theft are in place, primarily through internal REALTOR® association policies and state-level legislation.
  • 83% believe that an electronic notification system for property owners is the most effective solution.

As these scams grow in sophistication, it’s critical for members to remain informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their clients.

Visit NAR’s article for more information – https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/deed-and-title-fraud-survey

Bay East is excited to announce a new partnership with CubiCasa, a revolutionary mobile app that makes generating beautiful, accurate floor plans fast and simple — with just your smartphone or tablet.

What is CubiCasa?
CubiCasa allows you to produce professional-looking floor plans from a quick five-minute scan — no extra equipment or training required. Whether you’re an agent, appraiser, or real estate photographer, CubiCasa makes it easy to enhance your listing media with high-quality floor plans.

Exclusive Benefits for Bay East Members:

  • Free floor plans for properties up to 5,000 sq ft. (Note: Additional fees apply for scans exceeding 5,000 sq ft.)
  • 25% discount on all Plus packages and add-ons, including:
    • Appraisal-grade GLA floor plans
    • 6-hour rush delivery
    • A suite of 3D products
  • Photographer flexibility — use your own or access CubiCasa’s network of real estate photographers.

Get Started Today:
Visit the CubiCasa website to create your account.

Important: Be sure to affiliate your account with the Bay East Association of REALTORS® via the dropdown menu during sign-up.
Already have an account? Simply update your Profile Settings to affiliate with Bay East and activate your exclusive discount.

Learn More on YouTube:
Check out CubiCasa’s YouTube Channel for tutorials and tips:

Join a Live Webinar:
Get a walkthrough of CubiCasa in action and ask questions live!

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your listings with professional, easy-to-create floor plans — at no cost to you!

What is RealReports – and Why Bay East Offers It as a Member Benefit (Launching April 22)

In today’s market, agents are under more pressure than ever to show their value to clients. That’s where RealReports comes in.

Think of it like a Carfax for homes—RealReports pulls together details from over 60 trusted industry sources to create one easy-to-read, all-in-one property report. It includes valuable info such as:
• Permit history
• Climate and flood risk
• Estimated flood insurance costs
• Property liens
• Zoning and land use details
• And much more

Each RealReport is powered by Aiden, a smart AI property advisor that can instantly answer questions, explain documents, and provide insights for both agents and clients.
Bay East provides RealReports as a free member benefit because we know how important it is for our members to stand out, save time, and provide clients with fast, accurate property information.

Register for a live webinar to learn more:
• Tuesday April 29 at 10a PT
• Tuesday April 29 at 1p PT

Helpful links
• RealReports website
• Welcome video
• Education Hub (FAQs, tutorials, use cases, etc.)

Your RentSpree link is featured on your listing across top rental sites!

RentSpree, a highly-rated tenant screening service, streamlines the process with its comprehensive suite of features, including rental applications, background checks, credit reports, online income verification, and eviction histories—all in one place. And now, it’s getting even better! 

Starting April 22, when you select “Yes” for RentSpree Online Application field when entering a rental listing, the ApplyLink will automatically appear at the end of Public Remarks section. This makes it even easier for potential renters to apply directly from public-facing Rental websites. Interested renters can simply copy and paste the link on a browser to begin the screening process. 

Rest assured; this update won’t interfere with the public remarks of your listings. You’ll still be able to include all relevant information as usual. This enhancement helps make the rental application process quicker and more seamless for everyone! 

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