Tennessee MLS Coming Soon Guidelines

Tennessee MLS Coming Soon Guidelines

“Coming Soon” rules for Tennessee MLSs, based on regional policies like East Tennessee, Greater Chattanooga, Memphis, and others. (Specific MLSs may have variations — always check your MLS’s rules.)


✅ What “Coming Soon” Means

  • A property that is not yet available for showings but is under contract with the seller.

  • The listing is entered into MLS with a start showing date in the future.

  • Until that date, no showings, open houses, or previews are allowed.

  • Once the showing-start date arrives (or the agent switches it), it becomes Active and showings begin.


⏱ Duration & Timing Rules

  • The “Coming Soon” status is generally limited to 14 days or less in many TN MLSs. (East Tennessee REALTORS®)

  • Some MLSs require the showing start date to be no more than 14 days from the listing agreement date. (Gcar)

  • The listing must be entered into the MLS within a short time after the listing agreement (often within 48 hours or 2 business days) with the Coming Soon designation. (East Tennessee REALTORS®)

  • Once the start showing date arrives (or the agent manually changes it), the status auto-converts to Active. (Gcar)

  • After conversion to Active, you cannot go back to Coming Soon. (Gcar)


📣 Marketing & Advertising

  • You can advertise the property as “Coming Soon,” but only in that limited capacity (i.e. you cannot advertise it as “For Sale Now” or allow showings). (East Tennessee REALTORS®)

  • The showing-start date in any marketing must match the date that the MLS has for the listing. (East Tennessee REALTORS®)

  • Some MLSs disallow syndication (i.e. sending the listing to Zillow, realtor.com, etc.) while in Coming Soon status. (They only allow distribution after it becomes Active.) (Gcar)

  • Yard signs with a “Coming Soon” rider may be allowed (if the seller agrees), but the main “For Sale” sign should not mislead people into thinking showings are allowed. (East Tennessee REALTORS®)


🚫 Showings & Offers

  • No showings, open houses, or previews may occur while the listing is in Coming Soon status. (East Tennessee REALTORS®)

  • If the seller accepts an offer before the showing-start date, the listing must be switched to Active / Under Contract (or another appropriate status) within a short timeframe (often 48 hours). (Gcar)



    • Related Articles

    • Alabama MLS Coming Soon Guidelines

      ? Basic Rules for “Coming Soon” Listings in Alabama Signed listing agreement required You must have a signed listing agreement before entering a property as “Coming Soon.” Seller must approve in writing Use a Coming Soon addendum or form signed by ...
    • Florida MLS (not Stellar) Coming Soon Guidelines

      ✅ Florida MLS Coming Soon Checklist 1. Signed Listing Agreement Make sure you have a fully executed listing agreement with the seller. 2. Seller Authorization Have the seller sign a Coming Soon Authorization Form (if your MLS requires it). 3. MLS ...
    • Georgia MLS including FMLS and GAMLS Coming Soon Guidelines

      ? Georgia MLS "Coming Soon" Rules (Simplified) ✅ 1. Listing Agreement Required Ensure you have a signed listing agreement with the seller before using the "Coming Soon" status. ⏳ 2. Time Limit Listings can remain in "Coming Soon" status for up to 21 ...
    • NC MLS Coming Soon Guidelines

      Please contact your specific MLS for more information. North Carolina MLS “Coming Soon” rules: ✅ Basics You must have a signed listing agreement before entering “Coming Soon.” Seller must approve in writing to market as Coming Soon. No one can see or ...
    • Tennessee Real Estate Advertising Rules (TREC)

      All advertising by Tennessee real estate licensees—regardless of medium—must comply with TREC’s advertising rule, 1260-02-.12. This includes print, digital, signs, email signatures, websites, social media, video, streaming, flyers, etc. Importantly, ...