Rules Roundup: Violation Changes (Nov 2022)

Rules Roundup: Violation Changes (Nov 2022)

by | Dec 20, 2022

The Rules Roundup provides a monthly accounting of RMLS rules violations and courtesy notifications. Our Data Accuracy team manages all reports of property listing errors, tracking 34 specific issues outlined in the RMLS Rules and Regulations, and is responsible for addressing subscriber questions and concerns regarding listing accuracy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Our listing checker and violation software have received technological upgrades as part of our data feed move to a RESO-compliant Web API. As a result, a few changes have been made to the system and settings.

Missing Tax ID Violations: This type of violation will now exclude “proposed” and “Under Construction” property conditions, meaning that these property conditions will no longer receive a Missing Tax ID violation unnecessarily. This will also cause the stats for that violation to decrease significantly, as reflected in the November statistical data.

Artificial Intelligence: We’ve recently incorporated Restb.ai, which uses artificial intelligence to evaluate the metadata in property photos, into our process to check all uploaded photos for violations. This will add new statistical data on violations and greatly improve our reach and accuracy regarding photo violations.

The software is set up to look for violations regarding the first photo, personal promotion, people, unauthorized text, and unauthorized watermarks. This data will begin to be reflected in the December statistics.

    FORMAL VIOLATIONS

    The RMLS Rules and Regulations Committee reviews all formal complaints which allege a violation of the RMLS Rules and Regulations. The committee has the power to impose sanctions.

    There were two formal violation cases in November. Both cases concerned the unauthorized use of a lockbox (rule 3.22 from the RMLS Rules and Regulations), with one case resulting in a fine of $250 and other resulting in a $500 fine with a mandatory SentriLock rules class.

    INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

    Listings missing Tax ID information are consistently the top informal violation within RMLSweb. Sometimes the missing tax information is due to an error of omission. Other times, it may be because the listing is a new construction property that does not yet have a tax ID number available. Data Accuracy sends courtesy notices out to remind agents of the need to provide the tax information (when available).

    The chart below shows the next three most frequent informal violations from November 2022.

    This pie chart shows the remainder of the informal violations last month.

    Data Accuracy Department Statistics 

    • Listings Reviewed: 9,969
    • Notices Sent: 1,853
    • Violation Notices Received: 280
    • Courtesy Notices Sent: 1,327
    • Phone Calls Received: 380

    How to Report Violations

    Subscribers have multiple options to report violations, including a Report Issue button on every RMLSweb listing. Subscribers can email our Data Accuracy team at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or call them at 503.395.1916. When there are increases in specific violation types, we sometimes place notifications on RMLSweb.

    Rules Roundup: Violation Changes (Nov 2022)

    Rules Roundup for October 2022

    by | Nov 21, 2022

    The Rules Roundup provides a monthly accounting of RMLS rules violations and courtesy notifications. Our Data Accuracy team manages all reports of property listing errors, tracking 34 specific issues outlined in the RMLS Rules and Regulations, and is responsible for addressing subscriber questions and concerns regarding listing accuracy.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    The holidays are upon us and the end of the year looms. Looking back at the formal violations the committee has addressed so far this year, it is interesting to note that they were all regarding misuse of a lockbox.

    This is one of the most serious violations and carries a maximum fine of up to $15,000, as well as potential expulsion from RMLS. It’s critical to remember to only access a lockbox in accordance with showing instructions and that only a lockbox owner may grant access codes.

    Useful Documents:

      FORMAL VIOLATIONS

      The RMLS Rules and Regulations Committee reviews all formal complaints which allege a violation of the RMLS Rules and Regulations. The committee has the power to impose sanctions.

      The committee did not review any cases in October of 2022.

      INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

      Listings missing Tax ID information are consistently the top informal violation within RMLSweb. Sometimes the missing tax information is due to an error of omission. Other times, it may be because the listing is a new construction property that does not yet have a tax ID number available. Data Accuracy sends courtesy notices out to remind agents of the need to provide the tax information (when available).

      The chart below shows the next three most frequent informal violations from October 2022.

      This pie chart shows the remainder of the informal violations last month.

      Data Accuracy Department Statistics 

      • Listings Reviewed: 15,383
      • Notices Sent: 2,880
      • Violation Notices Received: 299
      • Courtesy Notices Sent: 2,302
      • Phone Calls Received: 389

      How to Report Violations

      Subscribers have multiple options to report violations, including a Report Issue button on every RMLSweb listing. Subscribers can email our Data Accuracy team at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or call them at 503.395.1916. When there are increases in specific violation types, we sometimes place notifications on RMLSweb.

      Ask Tech Terry: Using the Mobile App for Work on the Go

      Ask Tech Terry: Using the Mobile App for Work on the Go

      by | Nov 1, 2022

      Hi Tech Terry,

      I’ve read recently that RMLS has an app to help us when out working in the field. While I’ve saved a shortcut to the full RMLSweb site on my phone for several years, there are times when it’s obvious that the full site isn’t really formatted to work on the small cell phone screen. What can you tell me about the RMLS app?

      Wondering in Wallowa

      —

        Hi WW,

        What you’ve heard is accurate! RMLS has worked diligently to provide a revamped app that allows many of the same features as the full RMLSweb site, but is developed to work specifically in the smaller footprint of your cell phone or tablet screen.

        First things first…to download the app please go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “RMLS Mobile.” Once downloaded, you will need to login with your RMLSweb username and password. If you already downloaded the app, make sure to update to the newest version.

        Note that not only can you perform searches based on your current location, but you can also perform searches based on a variety of search criteria. There is also a roster search if you need to find contact info for one of your REALTOR® peers.

        A very recent addition to the app is the ability to access your personal listings in the Back Office > Listing Load menu option.

        Please note that this new module now provides you with the ability to edit your listings, including in-progress listings via the app! That’s a major upgrade from the last version, which didn’t provide add / edit capability. You now have full functionality in the field!

        The RMLS Mobile app will continue to evolve over time. If you have specific functionalities that you’d like the app to provide, please let us know!

        Tech Terry

        Rules Roundup: Violation Changes (Nov 2022)

        Rules Roundup for September 2022

        by | Oct 18, 2022

        The Rules Roundup provides a monthly accounting of RMLS rules violations and courtesy notifications. Our Data Accuracy team manages all reports of property listing errors, tracking 34 specific issues outlined in the RMLS Rules and Regulations, and is responsible for addressing subscriber questions and concerns regarding listing accuracy.

        HIGHLIGHTS

        We have had an increase in questions recently regarding Office Exclusive listings and what qualifies as public marketing. As a REALTOR-owned MLS, we are obligated to follow all rules and policies laid out by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

        NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy, which addresses these questions directly, was created to promote an equal opportunity marketplace that is competitive and supports the consumer. It also provides a consistent rule that outlines the guidelines for any publicly marketed property.

        Watch this video provided by NAR explaining this policy and why it was adopted.

          FORMAL VIOLATIONS

          The RMLS Rules and Regulations Committee reviews all formal complaints which allege a violation of the RMLS Rules and Regulations. The committee has the power to impose sanctions.

          The committee did not review any cases in September of 2022.

          INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

          Listings missing Tax ID information are consistently the top informal violation within RMLSweb. Sometimes the missing tax information is due to an error of omission. Other times, it may be because the listing is a new construction property that does not yet have a tax ID number available. Data Accuracy sends courtesy notices out to remind agents of the need to provide the tax information (when available).

          The chart below shows the next three most frequent informal violations from September 2022.

          This pie chart shows the remainder of the informal violations last month.

          Data Accuracy Department Statistics 

          • Listings Reviewed: 17,739
          • Notices Sent: 2,812
          • Violation Notices Received: 373
          • Courtesy Notices Sent: 2,116
          • Phone Calls Received: 431

          How to Report Violations

          Subscribers have multiple options to report violations, including a Report Issue button on every RMLSweb listing. Subscribers can email our Data Accuracy team at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or call them at 503.395.1916. When there are increases in specific violation types, we sometimes place notifications on RMLSweb.

          Rules Roundup: Violation Changes (Nov 2022)

          Rules Roundup for August 2022

          by | Sep 20, 2022

          The Rules Roundup provides a monthly accounting of RMLS rules violations and courtesy notifications. Our Data Accuracy team manages all reports of property listing errors, tracking 34 specific issues outlined in the RMLS Rules and Regulations, and is responsible for addressing subscriber questions and concerns regarding listing accuracy.

          HIGHLIGHTS

          Personal promotion is consistently one of our top violations, and a good many of them result from virtual tours. While virtual tours are an excellent tool to give buyers a feel for a home and help them decide if they want to see it in person, there are rules which govern these tours.

          Keep in mind that personal promotion is not allowed anywhere in the virtual tour or on the website you use to host them.

          Hired photographers will often offer you branded and non-branded versions of your tour. Only the non-branded version is allowed to be hosted with the listing. Neither you or anyone associated with you is allowed to be on the tour. We have seen many cases where the photographer will host your tour as well as other non-branded tours on their channel, which is a great option.

          There are many websites and services that provide packages and host non-branded videos, including Vimeo and Matterport, and YouTube is a great free option. Make sure the website you are using is not affiliated with you in any way. This means not including your first, last, or brokerage name, or any contact information. Remember that the purpose is to advertise the house and all its attractive features, not yourself. It’s a good idea to have one channel dedicated to non-branded virtual tours and nothing else.

            FORMAL VIOLATIONS

            The RMLS Rules and Regulations Committee reviews all formal complaints which allege a violation of the RMLS Rules and Regulations. The committee has the power to impose sanctions.

            The committee reviewed one case in August of 2022.

            Type of violation: Unauthorized use of RMLS lockbox access

            Resulting fine: $2,000.00

            INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

            Listings missing Tax ID information are consistently the top informal violation within RMLSweb. Sometimes the missing tax information is due to an error of omission. Other times, it may be because the listing is a new construction property that does not yet have a tax ID number available. Data Accuracy sends courtesy notices out to remind agents of the need to provide the tax information (when available).

            The chart below shows the next three most frequent informal violations from August 2022.

            This pie chart shows the remainder of the informal violations last month.

            Data Accuracy Department Statistics 

            • Listings Reviewed: 19,448
            • Notices Sent: 3,168
            • Violation Notices Received: 387
            • Courtesy Notices Sent: 2,381
            • Phone Calls Received: 413

            How to Report Violations

            Subscribers have multiple options to report violations, including a Report Issue button on every RMLSweb listing. Subscribers can email our Data Accuracy team at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or call them at 503.395.1916. When there are increases in specific violation types, we sometimes place notifications on RMLSweb.