Short Sales, Pools, and Feature Fields: What Goes Where

Correctly using MLS fields keeps your listing accurate, searchable, and compliant. Two areas that often cause confusion are short sale disclosures and pool or amenity fields. Misplacing these details can lead to misinformation or, in some cases, policy violations. Here’s how to keep things clean and clear.

Use the Correct Fields for Short Sales

Short sale information is confidential and must stay out of consumer-facing sections. It belongs only in:

• The designated short sale field, or
• The private/agent remarks section

A short sale is a transaction where the sale price doesn’t fully cover all liens and selling costs, and the seller doesn’t have the liquid assets to cover the difference. Because this involves sensitive financial details, MLS rules limit where that information can appear.

Keeping short sale data in the proper fields protects the seller’s privacy and maintains compliance with NTREIS MLS Rule 10.02.

Choose the Right Pool and Amenity Fields

Pool fields often create confusion, especially when a property is in a neighborhood with shared amenities. Make sure you choose the option that actually reflects the property.

Here’s the correct breakdown:

• Pool on Property → Yes: Use this only when the pool is physically on the property’s parcel and used exclusively by the occupants.

• Community Features → Pool: Use this for HOA, subdivision, or neighborhood pools. These should not be listed as “Pool on Property.”

• Hot Tub / Spa: You may select this under “Pool Features,” even if Pool on Property is “No.”

Choosing the right field helps buyers, agents, and portals understand exactly what the property offers—and avoids inaccurate search results.

Quick Accuracy Checklist

Before submitting your listing:

1. Place all short sale details in the designated field or private remarks
2. Keep all short sale information out of public remarks and marketing
3. Select “Pool on Property” only for pools physically on the lot
4. Use Community Features for shared pools
5. Add Hot Tub/Spa under Pool Features only if applicable

If you have questions about MLS rules or best practices, your MetroTex MLS team is here to help.

Missed Part 1 of our MLS Compliance Series? View it here. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll dig into photo rules and prohibited compensation language.