BIC Tip #1075: Don’t “Pre-Market” Listings Without This…

The Temptation

You just met a seller. The home is gorgeous. You know it’ll fly off the market the second it hits the MLS.
You’re excited — and you want to post a quick teaser: “Hot new listing coming soon in Sherwood Forest!”

Stop. ✋
Until the listing agreement is fully executed, that post can land you — and your firm — in serious trouble.

The Rule

Under NCREC rules and MLS policy, any public promotion of a property before a signed listing agreement is considered unauthorized brokerage activity.

That includes:

• Yard signs (even if you say “Coming Soon”)
   
• Social media posts or Stories
   
• Group emails, team chats, or private Facebook groups
   
• Text blasts or neighborhood previews
   

If you’re hinting that a property is available for sale — you’re advertising.
And advertising requires written authorization from the property owner.

The Risk

Pre-marketing isn’t just risky — it’s traceable.

Other agents see it. MLS monitors it.
And when a competitor reports your “coming soon” post, it’s your BIC and firm who receive the call — or worse, the fine.

💥 Real Example:
An agent posts “New listing dropping soon in Sherwood Forest!” before the seller signs.
Another firm screenshots it, reports it, and the listing firm ends up paying a penalty.
All that for a post that wasn’t even legal yet.

The Why

The rule isn’t about killing your marketing buzz — it’s about protecting consumers and keeping the playing field fair.
When you promote a property without a signed agreement:

• The seller hasn’t officially granted representation.
   
• You might mislead the public into thinking it’s already listed.
   
• You could interfere with another broker’s client relationship.
   

The BIC Takeaway

👉 No agreement = no advertising.
Before you post it, tease it, text it, or even talk about it publicly — get that paperwork signed.

Once it’s official, market it proudly, ethically, and within MLS guidelines.
But until then, hold that “Coming Soon” sign.

Remember — compliance isn’t about slowing you down.
It’s about protecting your license, your reputation, and your clients.