"...But you still need to report the sale regardless if there is recognized gain or not."

That statement is NOT correct; see the directions provided by the IRS.  It says do NOT report. 

Lacerte allows an override which I use to force all sales of a primary residence to show up on F 8949/Sch D.  The 'disclaimer of excluded gain' shows up.  It is much easier (and yes, my clients HAVE had missives from the IRS asking..) to then print the F 8949/Sch D out & respond to the notice.

YMMV