Double-check the MLS before farming expired or withdrawn listings

Be careful of “cold calling” prospects for listings. If you rely on a service to provide you with a list of expired or withdrawn listings, please be sure to check that listing’s status in the MLS to be sure it is truly “off-market.”  Some listings may have been extended or re-listed prior to you contacting the seller. Contacting the sellers of a property that is currently listed with another firm in order to solicit that business could be a violation of the Code of Ethics.

Also, violations of the National Do Not Call Registry regulations may be subject to fines of up to $16,000 per violation.  Sellers complain that they feel harassed and have reported receiving numerous phone calls (cell phones included) to themselves and their family members - sometimes over 20 calls within 24 hours of the listing status being changed in the MLS.  If your client is a victim of this form of solicitation, consider filing a complaint with the Association. In addition, make sure your sellers are on the Do Not Call Registry, and if they are, inform them that they can submit a complaint at www.donotcall.gov.  For more information, read the attached article from NCRealtors®.