Broker Tools | FlexMLS Broker Listing Distribution
 

The choice to distribute listings is up to

the listing Broker.


For Brokers who want to publish their listings on third party websites or

distribute them via IDX, CBORMLS helps to facilitate this process within the FlexMLS system.
 

CBOR MLS Syndication 


Listing syndication, labeled Broker Distribution in Flexmls, is the act of sending listings to third party publishers, sites like Realtor.com and Homes.com. CBORMLS does not dictate where listings are syndicated. Brokers ultimately decide if their listings are syndicated to third-party websites and which sites they are choosing to syndicate their listings to. If a Broker has not opted-in to a particular third-party publisher, CBORMLS does not make the Broker’s listing data available to that publisher.

 

If CBORMLS enters into a direct data feed agreement with a third party syndication/publisher, that specific publisher site is added to the Broker Distribution options in Flexmls. The MLS simply facilitates the distribution of listing data as directed by each broker to whichever sites they select from the list of available options in FlexMLS on their listings. As with any business decision, Brokers must weigh the pros and cons of sending their listings to each third-party publisher site.
 

Can I set defaults for Broker Distribution Settings in FlexMLS for all of my office listings?

 

Brokers have the ability in FlexMLS to specify blanket Distribution settings for their office listings or they can choose to let their agents decide on a site by site, listing per listing basis in Flexmls.

 

The majority of CBORMLS Brokers default to the current CBORMLS configuration for Broker Distribution settings and allow their agents to make those selections manually on a listing by listing basis.

 

Check out this brief video on accessing and modifying defaults for Broker Distribution Settings for your office in FlexMLS: 
Video

FlexMLS Broker Distribution Settings | Video Duration: 8:58
Ensure your volume is on for the narration. 
 

Broker Distribution Tab Options in FlexMLS 
What do these options mean?

Are you confused on what syndication terminology actually means in terms of where your listings go....or don't go? Check out the helpful video guide below that covers:
  • How Brokers can modify office/agent-level preferences in FlexMLS for Listing Distribution
  • Explanation of where listings are syndicated via CBORMLS
  • How to manage listing distribution at the listing entry step
  • Definitions of Syndication Terminology
 

Can I display other MLS Participants’ listings on my brokerage website if I have universally opted-out of the IDX option in my Broker Distribution settings in FlexMLS?

 

If you prohibit the display of your listings by other Participants, you may not display their listings pursuant to the IDX program. Other Participants may give you permission to display their listings, but that permission would have to be sought and obtained separately from each Participant, outside the MLS. 
 

What happens if a Participant doesn't blanketly prohibit other Participants from displaying her listings but instead indicates, each time she submits a new listing to the MLS, that her authorization to display that listing is being withheld? Since she hasn't issued a "blanket" prohibition against display by other Participants (but is constructively doing just that incrementally), is she entitled to display other Participant's listings?

 

No. A Participant cannot do indirectly what she cannot do directly. Since any Participant can opt out of IDX on a blanket basis, it can be presumed that those Participants who don't opt out are willing to allow other Participants to display their listings - except in those (likely) infrequent instances where a seller specifically prohibits the listing broker from allowing the listing to be displayed by other Participants.

This is analogous to the rules and policies of many MLSs that acknowledge the right of Participants to accept "office exclusive" listings in cases where a seller requests that their listing not be included in the MLS compilation. 
 

Can my Seller opt out of having their listing included in Internet Display?

 

Yes, an MLS Participant who lists a property for a Seller who has elected not to have the property listing or the property address displayed on the Internet shall cause the Seller to execute a document that includes the following (or a substantially similar) provision: 

The Participant shall retain such forms for at least one (1) year from the date they are signed or one (1) year from the date the listing goes off the market, whichever is greater. 
 

Quick Tip:

 

See your listing's Broker Distribution settings by selecting the down arrow next to the MLS # - "View Broker Distribution"
 

Did You Know...?


When your listing has IDX enabled, you have access to the "Listing Activity Report" in FlexMLS.

 

To access this report, simply click on the down arrow next to the MLS # - "Listing Activity". This report can be configured to automatically send to your Sellers.
 

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