Correct Placement of Listing Brokerage, Listing Agent and Seller Branding on MLS Listings

 

Capitalized terms and links below have their meanings provided in the Canopy Dictionary. 

 

The Canopy MLS Branding policy has been revised!  Beginning August 1, 2024, the following will not be considered a violation:

• Virtual tours with Listing Brokerage, listing agent or Seller contact information. 
• References in the Public Remarks field to a scheduled open house, model open, or sales office open. 

However, the Canopy MLS Branding policy, found in the Canopy MLS Rules and Regulations (Section 1.7) continues to prohibit “Branding,” as defined below, within Photos and these fields: Photo Captions, Directions, Public Remarks, and Restrictions Description. Text in these fields should only pertain to the subject property or transaction.

 

“Branding” is defined as any information that might lead a consumer directly back to the listing agent, Listing Brokerage or Seller, including but not limited to:

• Phone numbers
• E-mail addresses
• Websites that give reference to the listing agent, Listing Brokerage or Seller
• Company and/or personal names
• “For-sale” signs (excluding signs required by neighborhood restrictions if the text of the sign is made illegible and unrecognizable)
• Logos
• Slogans

In addition, Photos and the fields for Photo Captions, Directions, Public Remarks, and Restrictions Description cannot include content such as:

• Any reference to a TV showing of the property; or
• Instructions to place offers on eBay or other auction websites.

When a listing is found in violation, the listing agent is notified by email to correct the listing. If not corrected within two business days, a $100 fine is issued.

 

Permitted

Content that is permitted in the Photos or fields for Photo Captions, Directions, Public Remarks, and Restrictions Description includes:

• Websites that do not display listing agent, firm or seller/builder branding.
• “For sale” signs required by neighborhood restrictions if the text of the sign is made illegible and unrecognizable.
• Subdivision plat maps or floor plans if there is no reference to the listing agent, firm or seller/builder.
• Special promotions for financing, or Seller concessions if there is no reference to the listing agent, Listing Brokerage or seller/builder.
• Phone numbers to verify information, such as school assignment.

Prohibited

Content that is prohibited in the Photos or fields for Photo Captions, Directions, Public Remarks, and Restrictions Description includes:

• Bank-owned and auction website addresses such as www.ocwen.com, www.realtybid.com and www.bidselect.com which allow consumers to bid on properties directly without using a Realtor®.
• References to www.carolinahome.com, because CarolinaHome.com displays the listing agent name and contact information.
• Listing Brokerage, listing agent or Seller "for sale" signs, and ALL graphics, such as logos or messages superimposed onto the photo. The media portion of the listing is intended for photos or renderings of the property, landscape, views, neighborhood and surrounding community ONLY.
• Documents, such as property disclosure statements or fliers, etc., which may display the listing agent, Listing Brokerage or Seller/builder name. These documents may be attached to the listing as a PDF or text file, which are not included with the Client Report or OneHome Client Portal.

Note: Website links, text files, and PDF files uploaded and attached to listings in the MLS system do not appear on the Client Report or OneHome Client Portal, and are not distributed in the IDX data feed. Syndication Remarks do not appear on the Client Report or OneHome Client Portal, but are provided in the IDX data feed even though they are not required to be displayed.