Considering the changes to business caused by the Coronavirus, the multiple listing service (MLS) has decided to implement new status definitions ahead of schedule, effective 4/1/2020. 

Ironically known as the "Clear Cooperative Policy," this is now implemented to comply with National Association of REALTORS standards.  Home sellers now have the choices of marketing their home under Active, Coming Soon, Withheld, Hold, Withdrawn, or Cancelled statuses.  These listings must be available in the local multiple listing service (MLS) within five (5) business days of the seller signing a listing contract with a real estate broker.

Within one (1) business day of marketing a property to the public, the listing broker must submit the listing to the MLS for cooperation with other MLS participants.  Public marketing includes, but is not limited to, flyers displayed in windows, yard signs, digital marketing on public facing websites, brokerage website displays (including IDX and VOW), digital communications marketing (email blasts), multi-brokerage listing sharing networks, and applications available to the general public.

Buying or selling a home can be a stressful and worrying time. Here at HomeTraq we want to make sure you are given the options of the best people to get the job done but what are the signs that it may be time for a new agent?

Interviewing potential real estate agents before deciding on whom to hire is a good idea. It’s in your best interest to ask them some or all of the following questions to gauge their knowledge and fit with your needs. Take a look below, and let us know if there are any other questions you’ve found valuable when interviewing agents.

Buying a home is a big deal - so while it may be tempting to go with the first word-of-mouth recommendation you get, when it comes to choosing a real estate agent, it pays to do a bit more research. A real estate pro will be responsible for determining a good purchase price, coordinating conversations with sellers and seller agents, and ultimately, walking you through the entire buying process.  To make an informed choice take the time to interview several of the best candidates before making a decision. Here are 14 questions to ask potential real estate agents.

Though your search for homes may start online, it won’t end there. You can do a lot of research on your own. The National Association of Realtors reported that 68% of home buyers found the home they ended up buying on their phone last year, but once you find your perfect home, you will need the help of an expert when it comes to actually securing it.  A buyer’s agent can help you navigate through the home-buying process. When it comes to making an offer, your agent will negotiate on your behalf so you don’t pay a penny more than you have to.