California Statewide MLS (CALMLS) (2008)

Go to this MLS input page for information on the new California Statewide MLS (CALMLS). 

Final NAR MLS VOW Policy and Rules* (12/1/08 - NAR link)

The VOW settlement between NAR and the DOJ has been finalized.  This means that all MLSs will be required to adopt and implement what are now the official NAR VOW policies and rules no later than February 15, 2009. 

C.A.R. will put proposed VOW MLS Rules out for discussion and adoption into the CAR Model MLS Rules at the January 22, 2009 MLS Committee Meeting.  There will be some optional provisions to address as well as the mandatory ones.  Issues Briefing papers will be available prior to the meeting.  In the meantime, to access and review the new NAR VOW policy, rules and supporting materials, please visit the NAR Law & Policy webpage by clicking on the above link.

Summary and Status of DOJ/NAR VOW Settlement (10/14/08 revised)

The U.S. Department of Justice and N.A.R. have entered into a settlement regarding the VOW policy.  This article outlines the Proposed Court Order and new VOW policy as well as the procedural and timing issues involved.  It also contains a link to the Court’s Order.

Antitrust Compliance and California REALTORS®  (10/5/05)

Learn more about the antitrust laws and avoid costly litigation and the significant consequences associated with anticompetitive conduct, including criminal penalties, harsh fines and massive triple damages.

MLS Short Sale and REO Issues (6/16/08)

Short sales and REO transactions can present distinct MLS challenges when making offers of compensation or status changes.   This legal article should help all involved better navigate the obstacles and comply with MLS Rules.

REO “Net” Commissions (12/1/08) 

Additional information on the REO “gross-selling price” vs “net selling price” dilemma, including a proposed “seller concession” working definition.

MLS Offers of Compensation on Short Pay and Probate Transactions (8/12/06) 

An exception to the MLS policy against conditional offers of compensation:  short sales and probate sales.

Relisting or "Churning" a Listing (10/10/06)

With the changing market, real estate practitioners representing sellers face new challenges marketing their listings.  Some have engaged in the practice of relisting or "churning" a listing--removing it from the MLS and then shortly thereafter placing back on the MLS.  This legal article addresses the subject of "churning" and some of the related problems and issues.

Submitting Listings to the MLS  (2/20/08)

The obligations, legal and otherwise, associated with submitting a listing or not submitting a listing to the MLS.

Internet Data Exchange ("IDX") (7/16/01) 

Find out about NAR's mandated IDX policy, C.A.R.'s model policy, local options, broker and agent information and more.

Data Distribution on the Web  by REIS Innovations Vol. 1, Issue 1 (5/07)

Are you aware of the risks regarding giving up rights to your data and web contents to your online vendors? Do you put your data on Backpage.com? Craigslist? eBay? Livedeal? Edgeio? Oodle? Yahoo? If so, you may be granting worldwide, royalty-free and non-exclusive licenses to others to your data without realizing it. Read this document for moreinformation.)

Master MLS Reciprocal Agreement (1994)  

The Master Agreement establishing reciprocal MLS access and/or privileges between participating Associations and Boards throughout California. 

Chart of Signatories to the C.A.R. Master Reciprocal Agreement (10/23/07)

View the current participants and the level of reciprocity they offer.  Readers should contact Patricia Sellers  if they believe this list is inaccurate or does not include an MLS which should be represented. Viewers can contact their local boards/MLS if they have questions about their MLS's participation in the master reciprocal agreement.

California Model Bylaws (revised 6-1-07) (Word version)

Suggested bylaws used by most local boards/associations.

California Model MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Rules  (eff. 2/6/08 - revisions in red) (Note:  These are not the proposed CALMLS--Statewide MLS--Rules).

These are the suggested rules and regulations for an MLS operated as a committee of a local Association of REALTORS® in California. 

* DISCLAIMER: The California Association of REALTORS® uses links to other websites in an effort to assist users in locating information on topics that might be of interest to them. The links to these websites are provided as a courtesy to our members. These links are NOT maintained by C.A.R. and C.A.R. cannot be responsible for their information content or their maintenance. Furthermore, linking to a website does not constitute an endorsement by C.A.R. or any of its employees of the sponsors of the website or the products presented on the website.  Revised 12/1/08.