What Is a Coming Soon Listing in Real Estate?

A Coming Soon listing is an MLS status that allows you to market a home before showings begin. It builds early interest while the seller finishes prep—photos, touch-ups, timing. Rules vary by MLS, but the core idea is the same: promote now, show later.

✅ What “Coming Soon” Means

  • Pre-market exposure: property is visible in MLS as “Coming Soon,” but not yet available for showings.
  • Launch window: a short timed period to gather interest before going Active.
  • Clear expectations: listing must indicate a future “on-market” date when showings will start.

📏 Common MLS Rules for Coming Soon

  • No showings: showings are typically prohibited until the go-active date.
  • Time limits: Coming Soon is allowed only for a limited number of days (varies by MLS).
  • Required fields: on-market date, remarks that showings have not begun, and compliant photos/remarks.
  • Status change: on launch day, listing must switch to Active before showings occur.
  • Advertising: public marketing is allowed while honoring “no showings” and other local requirements.

Note: Specifics differ by market. Brokerless will align your listing with your MLS’s Coming Soon policy.

⚖️ Benefits and Limitations

  • Pros: build demand, coordinate timing, finish prep, and avoid early days-on-market accrual.
  • Cons: no showings until active; some buyers may move on; strict timing to flip to Active.
  • Best for: homes that need a few days to stage, photograph, or finalize availability.

🗓️ Typical Timeline

  1. Sign listing paperwork; select Coming Soon start and go-active dates.
  2. Finalize photos, floor plan, measurements, and remarks.
  3. Launch as Coming Soon (no showings yet); answer inquiries and build a tour list.
  4. Switch to Active on the planned date; begin showings and accept offers.

🔔 Showings, Syndication, and Leads

  • Showings: generally prohibited until the Active date—keep a waitlist and schedule tours for launch.
  • Syndication: display rules during Coming Soon vary by MLS and portal; some sites show Coming Soon, others don’t.
  • Leads: inquiries come to you (FSBO) or your designated contact per the listing instructions.

📍 FSBO Tips for Coming Soon

  • Set a clear Active date and stick to it.
  • Use the Coming Soon window to perfect photos, remarks, and showing instructions.
  • Track inquiries; line up a strong **opening weekend** with back-to-back showings.
  • Confirm local rules on signs, yard posts, and third-party marketing while in Coming Soon.
Ready to pre-market with Coming Soon and launch strong?
📋 View Flat Fee MLS Plans

❓ Coming Soon FAQs

Can buyers tour a Coming Soon listing?

Typically no—showings begin only after the listing switches to Active on the scheduled date.

How long can a listing stay in Coming Soon?

There’s usually a strict limit (set by your MLS). Brokerless will ensure your timing is compliant in your market.

Do portals show Coming Soon?

Some do, some don’t—it depends on the MLS and the site’s policies. Either way, your agent/broker network sees it in MLS.