Category: MLS

We want to keep our MLS Participants and Subscribers informed of an upcoming change to two of our MLS-related tools.

After careful review, Bay East MLS has made the decision not to renew our contracts with HomeSpotter and DataMaster effective August. We appreciate both vendors for their partnership and the services they have provided to our members.

This decision is part of our ongoing commitment to regularly evaluate our products and services to ensure we are providing the greatest value to our membership. As part of this review, we considered member adoption and usage. Both HomeSpotter and DataMaster have experienced extremely low utilization, approximately 0.01% of our membership, which indicates these tools are providing limited value to the overall membership. Based on this usage, we have decided to focus our resources on products and services that deliver greater benefit to a broader segment of our members.

Please note:

• Members who currently use HomeSpotter Mobile App can continue to access similar functionality through Homes.com, RPR, Realtor.com, and Paragon Connect, all of which offer robust mobile search and collaboration features.
• DataMaster is a tool designed specifically for appraisers.

If you have any questions, please contact the MLS Department at MLSServices@bayeast.org.

To simplify the listing input process and improve the overall listing experience, Bay East MLS will be updating theLease Rental property class effective August 11, 2026.

As part of this update, fields that are outdated, not applicable to Lease Rental listings, or no longer provide meaningful value will be removed from the listing input screen. Examples of fields being removed include:

• Units in Complex
• Point of Sale Ordinance
• Zoning
• Census Tract
• Percent Owner Occupied
• HOA Management Company
• Builder/Architect
• Occupant Name
• Occupant Phone

In addition, the Closing Date field will be renamed to Leased Date to better reflect Lease Rental transactions.

These changes are designed to streamline the listing entry process, reduce unnecessary data entry, and ensure the Lease Rental property class contains fields that are relevant to rental listings.

If you have any questions, please contact the Bay East MLS Support Team at TechSupport@bayeast.org.

The NORCAL MLS® Alliance (NCMLSA) is pleased to offer a new Combined IDX [public facing websites] data feed, providing access to listing data from the following MLS organizations:

• Bay East Association of REALTORS®
• bridgeMLS
• Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®
• BAREIS MLS
• MLSListings
• San Francisco Association of REALTORS®

The Bay East MLS Department is working closely with our approved IDX vendors to begin implementation of this enhanced data feed. This marks another significant milestone for the NORCAL MLS® Alliance, further expanding data access and creating new opportunities for our members and their clients.

If you have any questions, please email us at IDX@bayeast.org

The following enhancements are for Paragon Connect

• Property Watch uses clearer contact prompts text: Property Watch now asks a clearer question the moment you start a watch: do you want to add contacts right now? The same footer actions remain, so you move from watch creation to client ready updates without wading through redundant text.
• Listing photos show labels and captions when they exist: Listing photos tell a richer story the moment you open the gallery. Labels and captions appear by default when photo content exists, and your latest edits show across listing views as soon as you save.
• Remove all photos labels in one step: Bulk Labels and Photo Review now make it easy to remove all labels and descriptions in a single step.
• Power Search results are easier to scan and put listings first: Power Search replaces the old plain text results layout with a structured panel that leads with listing cards, then address suggestions, then people, offices, contacts, and saved searches in clearly labeled sections.
• Single date pickers include Today and Clear: Small calendar shortcuts add up across a busy day. Single select date pickers now include TODAY and CLEAR on the calendar footer so you can reset a date field in one tap. Property search date ranges are unchanged.

Review all of the enhancements here.

Please call our MLS Tech Support at 925.730.7100 or email techsupport@bayeast.org if you have any questions.

1. The Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) count will move from MLS listing reports to the History tab.
   
   Currently, you see two counts within the listing report: Days on Market (DOM) count and Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM).  DOM will remain prominently displayed within the MLS report, while CDOM is moved over the History section. 
   
   The History tab provides a more complete view of the property and listing lifecycle, including prior listing activity that may affect the CDOM count. Moving CDOM to the History tab allows subscribers to view the supporting details and better understand why the CDOM and DOM counts may differ. 
   
   The History tab can be found below the listing photos on the MLS report, represented as an ‘H’ icon.  
   
   
   
2. A new MLS rule has been approved regarding photo display.
   
   When a listing is changed to Sold, Expired, or Cancelled status, only the primary/main photo of the property will be authorized to display on IDX websites and syndicated portals.
   
   All photos remain available within the MLS system for all Subscribers and Participants.
   
   This update is intended to provide greater consistency in how listing photos are displayed publicly while still preserving full access to listing photos within the MLS platform.  
   
   NOTE: No action is required. These changes will take effect automatically on July 6, 2026. 

This release introduces a more seamless way to access Paragon Connect listing workflows directly from within Paragon.

• Listing Input Module: A new workflow to Paragon Connect within the LISTINGS module.
• Extended Remarks in Spreadsheet: View and compare more listing details directly in spreadsheet view, making it easier to analyze large datasets without leaving the experience.
• Enhanced Agent Listing Preview Email: Agents can now get a richer, more visual snapshot of listing activity directly from the Agent Listing Preview email.
• Listing Inventory Dashboard: The Listing Inventory dashboard now provides a more insightful starting point with additional default widgets, helping agents quickly understand listing performance and priorities from day one.
• Print Listing Details: Create a polished PDF of any listing without leaving Collaboration Center. The new Print option provides a simple and intuitive way to generate professional listing documents in just a few clicks.

Review all of the enhancements here.

Please call our MLS Tech Support at 925.730.7100 or email techsupport@bayeast.org if you have any questions.

We’d like to share an important update regarding the tool, HomeLight Listing Management System (formerly Disclosures.io). As part of our annual review of vendor agreements, a decision has been made not to renew this service offering.

Please note:

To ensure you do not lose access to information and disclosure packets stored within your existing HomeLight account, please complete the required account setup steps before May 18, 2026.

• Go to https://disclosures.io/auth/create-password-eastbay 
• Enter your email address and click Next 
• You will get a confirmation email from HomeLight to set up a password

Once completed, you should be able to log in directly to your existing HomeLight account with your new sign-in to see all the disclosures you created before.

The field “Disclosures Link” within Paragon MLS will continue to accommodate any disclosures link info.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at mlsservices@bayeast.org or call us at 925.730.7100

Preserving your seller’s choice in how they want to market their property is a priority for the Bay East MLS. Effective March 30, the Coming Soon Status can be syndicated.

Based on your client’s preference, you will have control over whether Coming Soon listings are syndicated out of the MLS via the Internet Site (Yes/No) and related fields at the time of listing entry.

• Existing Coming Soon Listings: Will default to Internet Site = No (not syndicated). To enable syndication, update the applicable fields to Yes and select the appropriate distribution options (e.g., “Yes-All Sites, Full address”).
  
• New Coming Soon Listings: Select your syndication options at the time of entry.

The MLS Rules will be updated accordingly to reflect this change. This update provides greater flexibility to align with your client’s preferences.

FAQs:

1. Listing Agreement
   A signed exclusive listing agreement triggers MLS rules. Without a fully executed agreement, MLS requirements do not apply.
2. MLS Filing & Clear Cooperation
   Listings must be submitted to the MLS within two (2) days after all necessary signatures have been obtained. If a listing is publicly marketed before being entered into the MLS, Clear Cooperation requirements are triggered, and the listing must be submitted within one (1) business day.
3. Office Exclusive Listings
   Sellers must sign a disclosure form. Public marketing is not permitted. If public marketing occurs, the listing must be entered into the MLS within one (1) business day.
4. Duration of Coming Soon Status
   Coming Soon status remains in the MLS for 30 days. After 30 days, the listing will automatically change to Coming Soon Cancelled.
5. Syndication of Coming Soon Listings
   Coming Soon listings will be shared with MLSs that participate in our data sharing. For public portals and websites, syndication will be controlled by the agent or broker based on the client’s preference within the listing entry.
6. Enforcement
   All MLS rules are enforced locally. Suspected violations should be reported using the Correction button in the MLS or via email to MLSServices@bayeast.org.

MLS Rules Changes Effective March 30.

10.1 Status
Coming Soon – “Coming Soon” is defined as a temporary, optional starting status that can be selected by listing agent. This applies if publicly marketed.

10.1.1 Coming Soon Listings. It shall be the responsibility of the Broker Participant (Section 4.1.1) and Real Estate Subscriber (Section 4.2.1) to follow said rules when placing a property in the Coming Soon section of the multiple listings service (MLS). Broker Participant and Real Estate Subscriber shall only place a property in the Coming Soon section of the MLS if the Participant/Subscriber has met the necessary criteria for MLS input as described in Sections 7.5, 7.6, and 8.1.

Important information surrounding Coming Soon listings:

1. It is optional to place your listing into the Coming Soon Status.
2. Listing agent must have a signed written listing agreement in place to enter a “Coming Soon” listing which explains the limitations of the “Coming Soon” status.
3. Coming Soon listings will be viewable to all MLS Participants.
4. Coming Soon listings will not be syndicated out to other websites.
5. Coming Soon listings will not be included in the IDX and data feeds.
6. Coming Soon listings are not allowed to be placed into open houses or tour modules within the MLS.
7. Coming Soon listings are only searchable within the Paragon MLS.
8. Once an agent changes a listing from Coming Soon to New/Active status, it cannot be reverted to Coming Soon status.
9. Days on Market (DOM) resets when status is changed to New/Active
10. Agent showing is allowed
11. Coming Soon Status must clearly state in the Confidential Remarks the seller’s instruction as to whether showings will be permitted or not.
12. Once Coming Soon status is entered, public marketing is allowed.
13. Upon request, All Paragon MLS Coming Soon data can be are included in Broker back office data feeds. However, Coming Soon listings may not be displayed or integrated into any public-facing products or websites, except for listings belonging to the listing brokerage.
14. Photos are optional.
15. The Coming Soon listing will be automatically placed in a “Cancelled – Coming Soon” status after thirty (30) days of entry.

12.16 Use of Listing Information on Internet. [Also known as Internet Data Exchange (“IDX”)] “Internet Data Exchange” (“IDX”) is a means by which listing brokers permit limited electronic display and delivery of their Active, Pending and sold listing data, in accordance with the IDX rules set forth herein, by other participating Broker Participants and R.E. Subscribers via the following authorized mediums under said Broker Participants and R.E. Subscribers control: websites, mobile apps and audio devices. As used throughout this policy, “display” includes “delivery” of such listings.

1. Authorization. Subject to paragraphs (b) through below, and subject to an executed IDX Access Agreement with the MLS, notwithstanding anything in these rules and regulations to the contrary, Broker Participants and R.E. Subscribers may electronically display aggregated MLS active, pending and sold listing information through either downloading or by framing such information on the MLS or association public access website (if such a site is available). The MLS’s download will include publicly accessible sold listing data starting from January 1, 2012. “Publicly accessible” sold information as used in the IDX policy and rules, means data that is available electronically or in hard copy to the public from city, county, state, and other government records. [Note: Listings in Coming Soon Status are not authorized for display by this rule.]

Section 12.19.15: A Participant’s VOW may not make available for search by, or display to, Registrants any of the following information:

1. Coming Soon, Expired or withdrawn listings (Hold, Cancelled).
2. The type of listing agreement, i.e., exclusive right to sell or seller reserve.
3. The seller’s and occupant’s name(s), phone number(s), or e-mail address(es).
4. Instructions or remarks intended for buyer brokers only, such as those regarding showings or security of listed property.

We are pleased to announce a valuable enhancement to the MLS, a brand new status: Sold Off MLS.

What is “Sold Off MLS”?

This new status allows agents to report properties that were closed/sold outside of the MLS.  Meaning, at the seller’s request, the property was never entered into the MLS prior to the sale. 

Why This Matters?

Adding this status helps strengthen our MLS data and better support you and the marketplace. The Sold Off MLS status will:

• Ensure agents receive proper production credit
• Strengthen comparable sales data for appraisals and CMAs
• Maintain accurate and complete market statistics

This is an important step toward capturing a more comprehensive view of our local market activity.

When inputting a new listing onto the MLS, you will see three choices in the Status field:

• New
• Active – Coming Soon
• Sold Off-MLS

Important Reminder

This status is strictly for reporting completed sold transactions that were not previously listed in the MLS.

Before submitting the listing, you must enter: “FOR COMPS ONLY” in the Confidential Remarks field.

Listings that were not input into the MLS as a result of the seller’s instructions may be input into the MLS “Sold off Market” data at the listing broker’s option within 30 days after the closing date.

You may also search for listings with this Status.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our Support Team is here to help at 925.730.7100 or techsupport@bayeast.org.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our MLS data accurate, complete, and valuable to the entire membership.

We frequently receive requests to remove listing photos from the MLS. While we understand the reasons for these requests, California law requires MLSs to retain listing data, including photos, for a minimum of three (3) years. Because of this legal requirement, photos cannot be deleted.

To help accommodate needs while remaining compliant, we offer a “Private” photo option within the MLS system.

What the “Private” Photo Option Does

• The photo remains stored in the MLS to satisfy legal retention requirements.
• The photo is excluded from IDX and other third-party data feeds, meaning it will not be distributed to external websites or products.
• Agents may mark photos as Private while the listing status is Active, Pending, or Hold.

Sold Listings

Once a listing has moved to Sold status, photo changes must be submitted directly to the MLS (mlsservices@bayeast.org) for review and processing.

Important

Any request to update on a Sold listing must come directly from the Listing Agent or Listing Broker.

Our goal is to support your needs while ensuring compliance with State law and MLS policies.