I have a dilemma. Ones professional ethics require that you wait to pound a sign until the day you list in MLS. But what if the boss, the seller, tells you they want the signs in immediately upon verified vacancy and possession by the seller. What if your boss is a bank? What if it is required in the contract that they send you?
I encounter this here in Florida. Ranie here is what some in my Yahoo Group do (personally I do not put a sign in until I have the listing agreenement and price) - get on of your signs or have some made REMOVING the words FOR SALE. Such a sign that states that this is a FORECLOSURE or UNDER MANAGEMENT OF . . . may well clear you with MLS or state rules. I found this very creative, and in my mind, very legal. After all you are the one managing the property until it comes up with a price and is on market!
ok, let me make sure I understand the question correctly. The bank (your client) is asking you to place a sign in the yard of a home you are about to list once you have verified it is vacant and you (the agent) have taken possession. Your concern is that you believe it's unethical to place a sign in the yard before you put it in the MLS?
Well, in the state of Tennessee we are bound to follow our clients instructions as long as they are legal so, check with your MLS board and make sure it's not illegal to put a sign in the yard before you put the listing in MLS and if not, then do as told.
If it is, instruct your client (the bank) accordingly and let them make a decision as to what they want to do. It may be a simple case that they didn't know it was illegal or vice versa, maybe you assumed it was when it really wasn't.
Personally, here in this state, a Realtor can put the sign in the yard and act as an agent for the seller as long as he has made that agreement between himself and the seller. The listing in MLS can come later if necessary or as requested by the seller. The key, as long as the Seller and Agent are aware of each others actions, stay within the law and have agreed amongst themselve....then most likely, it's fine.
Ok, with all that being said, here is what I suggest you do....
1. Check with your local MLS. Ask them point blank if you can put a sign in the yard before you list it in the MLS.
2. Check with you Managing Broker. Ask him/her point blank as well.
3. Inform the bank if the request can't be accomidated due to legal restrictions or do as told.
Comments
That's a great idea. That was good input from your Yahoo Group. I hope your weekend went well. Thanks again for your idea.
It's a good life!
~Raine
Well, in the state of Tennessee we are bound to follow our clients instructions as long as they are legal so, check with your MLS board and make sure it's not illegal to put a sign in the yard before you put the listing in MLS and if not, then do as told.
If it is, instruct your client (the bank) accordingly and let them make a decision as to what they want to do. It may be a simple case that they didn't know it was illegal or vice versa, maybe you assumed it was when it really wasn't.
Personally, here in this state, a Realtor can put the sign in the yard and act as an agent for the seller as long as he has made that agreement between himself and the seller. The listing in MLS can come later if necessary or as requested by the seller. The key, as long as the Seller and Agent are aware of each others actions, stay within the law and have agreed amongst themselve....then most likely, it's fine.
Ok, with all that being said, here is what I suggest you do....
1. Check with your local MLS. Ask them point blank if you can put a sign in the yard before you list it in the MLS.
2. Check with you Managing Broker. Ask him/her point blank as well.
3. Inform the bank if the request can't be accomidated due to legal restrictions or do as told.