WMLAR board approves updated MLS status verbiage

After receiving member feedback on the May-approved MLS Rules, Regulations, and Policies, the MLS Committee recommended clarifications to the WMLAR Board of Directors to reduce confusion around status definitions—especially regarding Active Contingent.

The full policy is available in your Member Portal (via the Dropbox link), but here’s a summary of the updated MLS statuses:

MLS Status Definitions

ACTIVE (new definition):

  • Property is being marketed for sale and the seller is accepting offers; OR
  • There is a sale/close contingent offer. (See Active Contingent below.)

This specific contingency must be notated in the agent-only remarks.

PENDING:

  • An offer has been fully executed that does not include any contingencies.

WITHDRAWN:

  • A temporary pause in an otherwise active contract.
  • A signed withdrawal form must be uploaded into the MLS.
  • These listings cannot be solicited.

ACTIVE CONTINGENT (updated 8/21/25):

This status applies during:

  • The inspection period (excluding well/septic inspections)
  • Sale/Close contingency
  • First right of refusal contingency
  • Right to remove contingency
  • Other contingencies

➡️ Once contingencies are removed, the listing must be updated to Pending within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).

➡️This specific contingency must be notated in the agent-only remarks.

Reminder: Noting the reason for the contingency in the agent-only remarks has always been required. If you have an older listing currently in Active Contingent status, please take a moment to review and update your remarks to ensure compliance.

ACTIVE BACKUP: Prohibited in the WMLAR MLS.

CANCELLED:

  • Listings may be cancelled prior to the contract’s natural termination date with proper documentation uploaded before cancellation.
  • Once a listing is cancelled, expired, or closed, members can no longer edit it.

EXPIRED:

  • Status applies when the listing agreement has naturally terminated per the contract and/or amendments.

CLOSED:

  • Must be reported in the MLS within 72 hours (excluding weekends/holidays).
  • Required fields include: under contract date, selling member (if not a MichRIC participant, use h99999), sold/closed date, sold price (for land and improvements only, not personal property), concessions amount, sales conditions, financing type, and co-selling member if applicable.

A Note on Concessions

What are concessions?
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (“What Are Seller Concessions and How Do They Work?,” NAR, 2024), a seller concession is when the seller agrees to cover certain buyer costs—such as inspection fees, title work, loan origination fees, or even home repairs. Concessions can make a property more attractive to buyers, help close a deal more quickly, or make homeownership more accessible by lowering buyers’ upfront expenses.

Michigan REALTORS® Addendum:
Michigan REALTORS® provides a Seller Concession Addendum in Dotloop and ZipForm. In simple terms:

  • The seller can agree to credit the buyer either a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the purchase price.
  • This credit may cover items like closing costs, escrows, prepaids, and buyer’s brokerage commission.
  • The buyer must confirm with their lender that the credit can be used in full. If the lender prohibits part of the credit, it is reduced to the maximum amount allowed.

⚠️ Reminder: Commissions of any kind are prohibited in the MLS.

Stay Informed

We know MLS rules and statuses can feel complex, and questions often come up in real-world situations. That’s why WMLAR maintains an ongoing MLS FAQ section that is updated regularly as issues arise or clarifications are needed.

We encourage you to:

  • Review the full updated policy in the Member Portal
  • Keep an eye on the MLS FAQ for answers to common questions
  • Reach out to staff if you’re unsure about applying a status or documenting a listing

Additionally, WMLAR is working on short training videos. Stay tuned!

Feedback

Your feedback through this form continues to shape these policies, and we appreciate your partnership in keeping our MLS accurate, professional, and compliant.

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