Contractual obligation to list on MLS?

[jeromedawg]

Hey all,

I just saw two listings come up (generated by my realtor via MLS) and upon clicking on both (within 5-20 minutes after receiving them), I saw "this listing is no longer active" - is that commonplace these days now? Or is it likelier that both these sellers already had offers on the table prior and had accepted the "highest bidder" but were bound to some contractual obligation or SLA to list on MLS regardless?

[Duke03]

A neighbor of mine was interested in selling their house.  Granted we live in area that is really heating up.  They posted on our neighborhood face book page to see if anyone knew of someone that wanted to live in our neighborhood before they went the conventual route of listing with a realtor.  Over 30 people responded asking for details.  After a week they had 5 offers from friends of friends that wanted to move into the area.  No realtors needed.