# Section 13: Advertising & Solicitation

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### [13.1 – Advertising Claims Based on MLS Data](#id-14.1-a-dvertising-claims-based-on-mls-data)

Participants may use aggregated MLS statistics (such as market share reports or sold data comparisons) to demonstrate their firm’s performance in public advertising and must rely on aggregated trends. The inclusion of specific property photos or sales prices of listings belonging to other Participants is prohibited unless the advertiser was the Listing or Buyer Agent for that specific transaction, or the advertiser has prior written authorization from the listing Participant and any applicable rights holder. To ensure accuracy and transparency, any advertisement or public statement making a claim based on MLS data must clearly demonstrate the timeframe and include the following disclaimer: *<mark style="color:$primary;">**“Based on information from the Big Sky Country MLS for the period \[Date] through \[Date].”**</mark>*

### [13.2 – Yard Signs](#id-14.2-yard-signs)

Only the Listing Agent’s “For Sale” sign may be placed on a property. Before closing, only the Listing Agent’s “Sold” sign may be placed, unless the Listing Agent gives the cooperating (selling) Agent written permission to post their own sign. All real estate signs should be removed no later than 15 days after the property is sold or the listing expires. “Days” means calendar days.

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This section is provided for general guidance only. BSCMLS does not enforce sign-removal timing after a listing is no longer on the market. Members remain responsible for complying with applicable local sign ordinances and any instructions from the property owner or seller.
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### [13.3 – Solicitation of Active Listings](#id-14.3-solicitation-of-active-listings)

Participants shall not solicit a listing on property filed with the Service unless such solicitation is consistent with Article 16 of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics, its Standards of Practice, and its Case Interpretations.

### [13.4 – Use of the Term “MLS”](#id-14.4-use-of-the-term-mls)

Participants and Subscribers may not use the term "MLS" or "Multiple Listing Service" in a company name, URL, email address, or any other marketing in a way that suggests the firm is, or operates, an MLS, or implies that consumers have direct access to the MLS database.

### [13.5 – General Internet Advertising Rules](#id-14.5-general-internet-a-dvertising-rules) 🟦NAR Policy 7.80

To ensure transparency and compliance with state regulations, any Participant or Subscriber advertising real estate services or property on the Internet (including websites, social media, and email) must adhere to the following disclosure rules.

**A. Mandatory Disclosures:** On every page of a website or in every electronic communication where advertising appears, the following data must be readily visible:

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**Name:**

The name of the licensee and the name of the Firm (Brokerage) as registered with the state. (Common abbreviations like “Inc.” or “LLC” are permitted).
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**Location:**

The city and state in which the licensee’s office is located.
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**Jurisdiction:**

The states/jurisdictions in which the licensee holds a real estate license (e.g., “Licensed in Montana”).
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**B. Maintenance & Accuracy**

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**31-Day Review:**

Participants must review their internet advertising and website information at least once every 31 days to ensure all data is current and not misleading. Websites must also display the date the page/content was created and last updated (or an equivalent “last updated” indicator).
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**Third-Party Data:**

If a website displays listing data from other sources (e.g., another MLS or Broker), the site must disclose the source of that information and the date it was downloaded.
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**C. Authority to Advertise:** Participants may not display or distribute information about properties listed by *other* Brokers without written authorization (such as through IDX participation or specific written permission). IDX/VOW display is governed by [**Section 14**](/section-14-data-feeds-idx-vow-policy-website-display-rules.md) and applicable data license terms; alteration of another broker’s content is prohibited.

### [13.6 – Services Advertised as “Free”](#id-14.6-services-a-dvertised-as-free) 🟦NAR Policy 8.4

MLS Participants and Subscribers must not represent that their Brokerage services to a client or customer are “free” or available at no cost to their clients, unless the Participant will receive no financial compensation from any source for those services.


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