Question 1

Why is BR MLS requiring a floor plan?

Accepted Answer

The Baldwin REALTORS® MLS Board of Directors believes that a floor plan has become an important component of a complete residential listing.Photos show buyers what individual rooms and features look like. A floor plan provides something photographs often cannot: an understanding of how the property is arranged. Buyers can see how rooms connect, where bedrooms and bathrooms are located, the approximate size of each room, how living areas relate to one another, and whether the overall layout may work for their needs.This requirement is part of BR MLS’s continuing effort to improve the quality and usefulness of the MLS database for members, sellers, and consumers.The property types Lots and Land, Commercial Sale, and Commercial Lease will be exempt from this rule.

Question 2

What date will the floor plan requirement start?

Accepted Answer

The requirement will take effect Monday, February 1, 2027, and will apply to all applicable listings entered into BR MLS.The property types Lots and Land, Commercial Sale, and Commercial Lease will be exempt from this rule.

Question 3

Why should the MLS decide how I market my listing?

Accepted Answer

BR MLS is not attempting to dictate an agent’s overall marketing strategy. Members remain free to market properties using the methods and services they and their sellers determine are appropriate.However, the MLS has always established minimum requirements for the information included in an MLS listing. Required fields, photographs, status information, property characteristics, and other listing requirements help ensure that members can rely on a consistent and useful database.The floor plan requirement establishes another minimum standard for the information provided through BR MLS.

Question 4

Why can't agents decide for themselves whether their listing needs one?

Accepted Answer

Making floor plans optional results in inconsistent listing information. Some listings provide buyers and cooperating agents with detailed information about the property’s layout, while others provide only photographs and a written description.An MLS exists, in part, to establish consistent standards for the information members contribute to and receive from the cooperative database.By requiring floor plans for applicable properties, BR MLS is establishing a predictable standard: members can expect a floor plan to be available when reviewing an applicable listing.

Question 5

Isn't this just creating more work for agents?

Accepted Answer

The Board recognizes that this requirement adds another step to the listing process.To make compliance as practical as possible, BR MLS provides members with access to a basic floor plan through CubiCasa at no additional cost. Members can generate a basic floor plan by scanning an eligible property with a smartphone, eliminating the need to purchase specialized equipment or routinely hire a third party solely to satisfy the requirement.The Board’s objective is to improve the quality of MLS listing content while providing members with a convenient way to comply.

Question 6

What if my seller refuses to allow a floor plan?

Accepted Answer

Members should explain that a floor plan is a BR MLS requirement for applicable listings and discuss the available options under the BR MLS Rules and Regulations.The seller and listing agent may sign a Floor Plan Waiver. Once the signed waiver is uploaded to the listing in Perchwell, the floor plan requirement will be waived.

Question 7

Do I have to use CubiCasa?

Accepted Answer

No. Members may use any photographer or vendor to create a floor plan.CubiCasa is available at no additional cost as a BR MLS member benefit and provides members with a convenient way to satisfy the requirement. Members who obtain a floor plan from another source should ensure that it complies with BR MLS submission requirements.

Question 8

Is CubiCasa really free?

Accepted Answer

BR MLS members have access to a basic CubiCasa floor plan at no additional cost as part of their MLS membership.CubiCasa also offers optional products and features, including 3D floor plans and renderings, for an additional fee.

Question 9

What about new construction?

Accepted Answer

New construction listings frequently already have builder or architectural floor plans available.If you are placing a new construction listing in as a proposed layout/building, a floor plan of that proposed layout will be required.

Question 10

What about land?

Accepted Answer

Floor plans are not required for properties listed under the Land or Commercial Land property types.

Question 11

What happens if I cannot safely access or scan the property?

Accepted Answer

If the property cannot be safely accessed or scanned, the seller and listing agent may sign a Floor Plan Waiver. Once the signed waiver is uploaded to the listing in Perchwell, the floor plan requirement will be waived.

Question 12

What if the property is tenant occupied?

Accepted Answer

If a tenant-occupied property cannot be accessed by the listing agent or photographer, the seller and listing agent must sign a Floor Plan Waiver. Once the signed waiver is uploaded to the listing in Perchwell, the floor plan requirement will be waived.

Question 13

Will requiring a floor plan create liability for agents?

Accepted Answer

The floor plan requirement does not change a member’s existing responsibility to take reasonable care when submitting information to BR MLS. As with photographs, remarks, square footage, and other listing content, members should ensure that floor plans are accurate and appropriately represent the property.Every BR MLS listing includes the following disclosure:"This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Buyer to verify information. Copyright 2026 Baldwin REALTORS."

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