Why CCAR MLS Compliance Matters. This only works if everyone follows and goes by the same rules.
You can trust our data.
It protects your clients, your license, your professionalism and shields you from any potential lawsuits or fair housing issues.
It saves you time.
At the end of the day (or Bottom line) clean/accurate data makes everything easier, means smoother deals, happier clients and a lot less wasted time for all of us. CCAR Compliance is your partner in keeping things accurate and to guide you.
How to report a violation:
These are the ways to report
Listing agents can use the correction button to report a listing, email Compliance compliance@ccartoday.com or contact our Member Services support@ccartoday.com or 925.295.1270.
For Clear Cooperation we have a designated reporting tool to do this or email us with the information and the marketing evidence or simply call 925.295.1270.
CCAR MLS Rules & Compliance FAQ
Following MLS Rules ensures consistency, accuracy and integrity of data.
CCAR MLS Rules: What You Can and Can't Do
Submitting a Listing
Do I have to add my new listing to the MLS?
Yes. If you have a executed listing agreement you must input it into the MLS within 3 days of getting all required signatures (MLS Rule 7.5). If you miss this deadline, you will receive a warning.
The Clear Cooperation Rule: If you market the home to the public (put up a yard sign, post it on social media or send an email blast), it must be entered into the MLS within 1 business day of that marketing, even if the 3-day window isn't up yet (Rule 7.5.1).
What if the seller wants privacy? If the seller requests to keep the home off the MLS, you must submit a signed MLSA to the CCAR compliance within 3 days of signing (Rule 7.6).
What can I write in the Public Remarks? (Rule 12.5.1)
Public remarks should only describe the details and condition of the property.
NO Contact Info: Do not include names, phone numbers, email addresses, websites, or links to virtual tours.
NO Instruction to Call You: Avoid lines like "Call listing agent for details."
NO Showing Instructions: Keep lockbox codes, gate codes, alarm updates or notices about the home being vacant completely out of the public view.
NO Agent-to-Agent Info: Do not mention buyer agent commission, compensation rates, or info meant strictly for other brokers.
What can I write in the Agent/Private Remarks? (Rule 12.5.2)
You have a lot more freedom here, but here are the guidelines.
NO Commission Info: Compensation rates or commissions cannot be posted in public or private remarks.
NO Title or Escrow Officer Name and contact Info (Phone number or Email address) To avoid violating RESPA laws.
Square Footage
Why can’t I enter zero square feet for my listing?
Accuracy in the MLS is important and zero square feet is inaccurate for any building. This is a required field. The listing broker or agent must enter a reliable square footage value in the data. If the correct source is not Tax Record please mark it accordingly or “Other”.
Photos (Rule 11.5)
Do I need to include a photo?
Yes. All active listings require at least one property photograph loaded into the system upon entry. If the property has an existing building, you must include a clear photo of the front of the home somewhere in your image gallery.
Can I use the photos from the last agent who listed the home?
No, unless you have a written permission from that agent. CCAR enforces strict copyright guidelines. You do not have the right to reuse previous listing photos.
What if my seller strictly refuses to show photos?
Have the seller sign a Seller’s Instruction to Omit Photo note and keep it in your office files in case compliance asks for it.
Can I delete the photos after the property sells?
No. To keep market data accurate for appraisals and comps, historical data and photos must remain in the MLS database. However, you can use the Hide Photos feature which stops the property images from syndicating to third-party public websites (like Zillow or Redfin) after the sale.
Lockboxes (Rule 13.2.2)
Do I have to use a lockbox?
No, a lockbox is optional. However, if there is a lockbox on a property, it must provide access. If you use a combo box, you must either post the code in the private remarks or be ready to share the code.
Reporting Status Updates & Closings (Rule 10.2)
When do I have to mark a property as Pending?
Within 1 day. Leaving an under-contract property as "Active" is a compliance violation.
(Example)
An EMD was made by the buyer yet the listing agent doesn’t want to update the listing to pending and is accepting back up offers. Is this a violation?
Yes - “Active” status means “A valid listing contract exists, no accepted offer (with or without contingencies).” That’s not accurate for this listing because there is an accepted offer. “Pending” is clearly the correct status. CCAR doesn’t prohibit listing agents from taking back up offers while a listing is in “Pending” status as long as the agent put in the remarks that back up offers will still be accepted.
What if the deal doesn’t go through?
You must change the status to Back On Market to immediately push your listing back into circulation.
How fast do I have to report a final sale? (Rule 10.2)
You must input the final sales price and closing information within 1 day.
Do I have to report a final sale price?
Yes. Final closings and the correct sales information are required.
What is the difference between Canceled and Withdrawn?
Withdrawn: The seller wants to temporarily take the home off the market but your listing agreement contract with them is still active.
Canceled: The legal listing agreement between you and the seller has been completely terminated.
Can I submit listings in areas not within CCAR service area?
Yes. As a CCAR member, you can input listings that are outside of our jurisdiction. CCAR s is a member of the NorCal MLS Alliance.
Our direct datashare partners in the Alliance include:
Bay East Association of REALTORS® (East Bay)
bridgeMLS (East Bay / Oakland / Berkeley)
BAREIS MLS (Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Solano)
MetroList (Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo, San Joaquin)
MLSListings (San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito)
San Francisco Association of REALTORS® (SFAR)
Through this shared data network, any out-of-area listing you enter into Paragon automatically reaches the Bay Area and Northern California agents without requiring dual entry or separate MLS.
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