REMINDER: MLS Expiration Dates Coming Into The New Year
As we close out 2025 and move into 2026, WMLAR is seeing a noticeable increase in members unintentionally allowing listings to expire — especially around the new year. Now is the perfect time to double-check your expiration dates and safeguard your marketing permissions, your clients, and your listings.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS: WMLAR will be closed for the holidays December 24, 25, 31, and January 1, 2026. CLICK HERE for after hours resources.
Expiration Dates Matter — Even When Statuses Change
Many agents assume that listings won’t expire when they’re not fully active, but here’s what you need to know:
- Pending and Withdrawn–Temporary listings typically do not expire while in those statuses. NOTE: Withdrawn listings CANNOT BE SOLICITED.
- Active Contingent listings will expire if the expiration date passes because Active Contingent falls under the “Active” category, FlexMLS treats the expiration date normally — meaning the listing can and will expire.
When in doubt, get the amendment signed, uploaded into the MLS, and don’t forget to change the dates in the system.
Every January, We See the Same Pattern
Each year after January 1, WMLAR receives a wave of requests to bring expired listings back to Active. These requests are reviewed case by case, but please keep in mind that once a listing has expired,
- WMLAR will not simply “turn it back on” without updated documentation.
- The easiest way to avoid delays or compliance issues is to extend your listing before it expires.
A brand-new listing package is required (fresh signatures, new dates, new forms) for a listing to simply be relisted. All dates in the contracts need to match what is in the MLS.
Why It’s Critical to Stay Ahead of Expirsations
Your listing agreement spells out when your authority to market a seller’s property begins — and when it ends. Once that end date hits:
- Your legal permission to advertise the property stops, regardless of MLS status.
- It is the listing agent’s responsibility to secure an extension or cancellation prior to expiration.
- Allowing a listing to lapse can create legal, ethical, and client-service issues.
📌 Track Expiring Listings in Flexmls
The fastest way to check your expiring listings in FlexMLS is to ‘Customize’ and add a gadget to your home screen if it isn’t there already.
There are numerous gadgets you can add and customize to your liking, but once you add your ‘My Listings’ gadget, it’ll look like this:
Click on the number to go to that listing. If your office updates your listings for you (THANK THEM) but make sure you get the signed amendments turned in prior to the expiration to allow time for processing.
⏰ Set Your Own Calendar Reminders
If logging into FlexMLS every day isn’t your preferred method, set reminders in Outlook, Google/Apple Calendar, your CRM, etc. or go old school with notes. Be sure to include reminders 30 days, 7 days, and 1 day before each expiration especially for those hard to reach clients or those that prefer to wet sign documents.
Bottom Line
🛑 Don’t let your listings expire unintentionally.
📝 Review expiration dates in Flexmls and extend agreements early.
⚠️ Active Contingent listings will expire — keep a close eye on them.
⏰ Use Flexmls tools and calendar alerts to stay ahead of deadlines.
A few minutes of preparation now can save hours of paperwork, prevent unexpected lapses, and ensure uninterrupted service for your clients.
