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 whether those are submitted via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or by phone. When there are increases in specific violation types, we often place notifications on RMLSweb in order to alert subscribers so that they can avoid violations.
MAY HIGHLIGHTS
We have seen a rise in the number of listings not being made available for showing. As a reminder, rule 3.27 of the RMLS Rules and Regulations states:
Availability for Showing. With the exception of Commercial Lease, Auction, and Coming Soon-No Showing listings, all active listings shall be available for showing immediately upon entry into the RMLS system, excluding listings which require all offers to be made contingent on interior inspection. Listings cannot restrict showing until a future date.
There are reasons your client may wish to restrict showings. Maybe there is a renter, or the house is unsafe. In cases like this you should add a statement to the remarks that explains that all offers are contingent upon an interior inspection. It may also be helpful to provide a brief explanation as to why showings are unavailable. If a home is simply not ready to be shown but you want to let people know it will available soon then publishing as CSN would be appropriate. This allows other RMLS subscribers the chance to know about your listing so that they can share it with their clients while still affording your client up to 21 days to finish getting their home ready for showings.
The committee did not review any cases in May 2021.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS & COURTESY NOTICES
In May 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 32,556 listings in addition to the 539 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,397 violation notices and 1,458 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition, our team handled 401 phone calls.
Category
May
Missing Tax ID
436
Missing School
168
Incorrect or Missing Information
141
Personal Promotion
135
No Showings
92
Duplicate Listing
75
Missing Owner Name
57
Property Condition
46
Incorrect Status
43
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
39
Is Property a Condo
32
Incorrect First Photo
28
Incorrect Property Type
21
Inaccurate Lot Size
19
Missing Condo Unit Number
14
Address Issues
14
Conditions to Compensation
13
Partial Bathrooms 5+
9
City Unknown
5
HUD
5
Missing SQFT by Level
4
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
1
The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in May 2021:
Category
May
Listing Still Pending
622
Listing is Set to Expire
434
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
314
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
62
Listing Still in OMS, Public Records Indicate SLD
25
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours
1
Questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the accuracy of specific listings can be directed to the RMLS Data Accuracy department at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or 503.395.1916.
The RMLS Rules and Regulations Committee has requested that periodic reports are given to subscribers about the number and types of formal rules violations, along with information about informal violations and courtesy notifications by type. Read “If an RMLS Rule is Broken, What Happens?” for a deeper explanation.
Have you ever spotted something wrong in a property listing on RMLSweb? The Data Accuracy team is responsible for sorting things out whenever an RMLS subscriber contacts us — whether that is via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or directly by phone.
We track 34 specific issues in Listing Data Checker (LDC), the software that helps us spot and correct issues proactively. Eight of these are courtesy notifications, but the other 26 are informal violations of the RMLS Rules and Regulations. In addition to our focus on education, we also process formal violations throughout the year.
HOT TOPICS
Recently we’ve received quite a few notifications regarding incorrect or missing schools. You may have noticed that some of the school names you are used to seeing are now missing from RMLSweb. Recently several school districts have gone through a renaming process, with some schools changing names multiple times.
If you don’t see a school that you think should be on the list and want to know whether the school is missing or has a new name, here’s what to do: First, double check the area for your listing. It can be easy to be looking in the wrong area if the listing is near a county line or area boundary.
Next, check the local school district’s website for updated information. If you’re still not sure, you can always contact our Data Accuracy department at 503.395.1916 and we will help you determine what the new name of the school is.
The committee did not review any cases in April 2021.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In April 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 31,851 listings in addition to the 574 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,327 violation notices and 1,564 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition our team handled 378 phone calls.
Category
April
Missing Tax ID
423
Missing School
157
Incorrect or Missing Information
127
No Showings
94
Duplicate Listing
92
Personal Promotion
86
Missing Owner Name
55
Property Condition
50
Incorrect Status
41
Is Property a Condo
38
Incorrect First Photo
36
Incorrect Property Type
33
Inaccurate Lot Size
23
Conditions to Compensation
13
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
12
Missing Condo Unit Number
12
Partial Bathrooms 5+
11
City Unknown
7
HUD
5
Missing SQFT by Level
4
Address Issues
4
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
3
Is Listing a Short Sale
1
The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in April 2021:
Category
April
Listing Still Pending
632
Listing is Set to Expire
447
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
272
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours
104
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
81
Listing Still in OMS, Public Records Indicate SLD
28
When we notice an uptick in a specific type of violation (perhaps a rule recently changed or market conditions leading to an increase in a certain type of issue), we may also put a notification up on RMLSweb, educating subscribers before one of their listings gets flagged and we need to contact them.
RMLS Data Accuracy can be reached via email or by phone at 503.236.7657 if you have questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the data accuracy of specific listings, or simply want to chat with us more about the above information.
The RMLS Rules and Regulations Committee has requested that periodic reports are given to subscribers about the number and types of formal rules violations, along with information about informal violations and courtesy notifications by type. Read “If an RMLS Rule is Broken, What Happens?” for a deeper explanation.
Have you ever spotted something wrong in a property listing on RMLSweb? The Data Accuracy team is responsible for sorting things out whenever an RMLS subscriber contacts us — whether that is via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or directly by phone.
We track 34 specific issues in Listing Data Checker (LDC), the software that helps us spot and correct issues proactively. Eight of these are courtesy notifications, but the other 26 are informal violations of the RMLS Rules and Regulations. In addition to our focus on education, we also process formal violations throughout the year.
HOT TOPICS
As the weather warms up and more houses begin to be put on the market it is important to keep in mind the rules regarding lockbox access and showings. Violating the lockbox and showing rules can have serious consequences which may include fines or even suspension from RMLS.
Rule 7.1 reads as follows:
The appointment for showing of listed property shall be arranged as indicated in the RMLS Listing Data Input Form.
a. A Cooperating Broker or Appraiser may use the lockbox access device to enter a listing whose status is Active, Bumpable or Short Sale Pending, only in accordance with the instructions on the RMLS Listing Data Input Form or in accordance with the express instructions of the Listing Broker or Owner. b. A Cooperating Broker or Appraiser may use the lockbox access device to enter a listing whose status is other than Active, Bumpable or Short Sale Pending, only with the express permission of the Listing Broker or Owner. c. A Listing Broker, Cooperating Broker or Appraiser may not use the lockbox access device to enter a listing whose status is Coming Soon-No Showing. d. A property in Coming Soon-No Showing status cannot be shown. e. If the Listing Broker’s representative is to accompany a Cooperating Broker on the showing of a listing, that requirement must be included in the RMLS Listing Data Input Form and the Listing Broker must have a representative available to accompany the showing at the convenience of the Owner and customer. f. No Participant or Subscriber may require from a Cooperating Broker a prospective Purchaser’s address or telephone number.
Some tips to keep in mind:
Always follow the showing instructions and check the status of a listing prior to opening the lockbox, even if you checked before you left the office. It is better to take the extra step than to accidentally enter a pending listing.
Do not let your buyer have access to the listing before the agreed upon transfer of possession date. The seller is still the owner of the property until that time – your buyer may be excited to see the property, but until the transfer you should make an appointment with the Seller’ Agent to view the property. Utilizing the tools available and keeping the rule in mind will help to keep all parties safe and happy.
Prior to scheduling a showing, it’s important to double-check the listing for any special showing accommodation requests or notes from the seller(s) and/or Seller’s Agent.
The committee did not review any cases in March 2021.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In March 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 31,851 listings in addition to the 574 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,235 violation notices and 1,354 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition our team handled 343 phone calls.
Category
March
Missing Tax ID
424
Incorrect or Missing Information
150
Personal Promotion
119
Missing School
100
No Showings
89
Missing Owner Name
51
Incorrect Status
45
Incorrect First Photo
42
Property Condition
41
Incorrect Property Type
32
Is Property a Condo
25
Duplicate Listing
21
Address Issues
16
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
14
Inaccurate Lot Size
12
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
10
Partial Bathrooms 5+
10
Conditions to Compensation
8
Missing Condo Unit Number
7
HUD
4
City Unknown
2
The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in March 2021:
Category
March
Listing is Set to Expire
563
Listing Still Pending
489
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
217
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
72
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours
13
When we notice an uptick in a specific type of violation (perhaps a rule recently changed or market conditions leading to an increase in a certain type of issue), we may also put a notification up on RMLSweb, educating subscribers before one of their listings gets flagged and we need to contact them.
RMLS Data Accuracy can be reached via email or by phone at (503) 236-7657 if you have questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the data accuracy of specific listings, or simply want to chat with us more about the above information.
The RMLS Rules and Regulations Committee has requested that periodic reports are given to subscribers about the number and types of formal rules violations, along with information about informal violations and courtesy notifications by type. Read “If an RMLS Rule is Broken, What Happens?” for a deeper explanation.
Have you ever spotted something wrong in a property listing on RMLSweb? The Data Accuracy team is responsible for sorting things out whenever an RMLS subscriber contacts us — whether that is via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or directly by phone.
We track 34 specific issues in Listing Data Checker (LDC), the software that helps us spot and correct issues proactively. Eight of these are courtesy notifications, but the other 26 are informal violations of the RMLS Rules and Regulations. In addition to our focus on education, we also process formal violations throughout the year.
HOT TOPICS
Spring time offers the chance to take great photos of your listings. As the season approaches, it’s important to remember that photographs aren’t just a terrific option to market homes – they’re required! Per RMLS Rules and Regulations section 3.8:
At the time of publication, listings submitted to RMLS are required to have one (1) photograph of the exterior building view, except for bare land, which must have a photograph of the land. If the seller does not wish to have a photograph published, a Photograph Omission Form or equivalent document signed by the seller is required and must be submitted to RMLS within 24 hours of listing publication.
Another item that Buyer’s Agents should keep in mind is that you can request confirmation that your offer was presented. RMLS Rules and Regulations section 8.3 says:
Where the Cooperating Broker is not present during the presentation of the offer, the Cooperating Broker can request in writing, and the Listing Broker must provide, as soon as practical, written affirmation stating that the offer has been submitted to the seller, or written notification that the seller has waived the obligation to have the offer presented.
TIP: Prior to scheduling a showing, it’s important to double-check the listing for any special showing accommodation requests or notes from the seller(s) and/or Seller’s Agent. Be safe out there!
The committee did not review any cases in February 2021.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In February 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 23,447 listings in addition to the 444 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,161 violation notices and 1,243 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition our team handled 303 phone calls.
Category
February
Missing Tax ID
447
Incorrect or Missing Information
140
Personal Promotion
115
Missing School
78
No Showings
68
Missing Owner Name
40
Incorrect Status
38
Incorrect Property Type
38
Property Condition
37
Conditions to Compensation
31
Duplicate Listing
22
Incorrect First Photo
17
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
15
Address Issues
13
Inaccurate Lot Size
10
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
5
HUD
5
Partial Bathrooms 5+
2
City Unknown
1
Missing Condo Unit Number
1
Not a Short Sale
1
The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in February 2021:
Category
February
Listing is Set to Expire
539
Listing Still Pending
405
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
212
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
72
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours
12
When we notice an uptick in a specific type of violation (perhaps a rule recently changed or market conditions leading to an increase in a certain type of issue), we may also put a notification up on RMLSweb, educating subscribers before one of their listings gets flagged and we need to contact them.
RMLS Data Accuracy can be reached via email or by phone at (503) 236-7657 if you have questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the data accuracy of specific listings, or simply want to chat with us more about the above information.
The RMLS Rules and Regulations Committee has requested that periodic reports are given to subscribers about the number and types of formal rules violations, along with information about informal violations and courtesy notifications by type. Read “If an RMLS Rule is Broken, What Happens?” for a deeper explanation.
Have you ever spotted something wrong in a property listing on RMLSweb? The Data Accuracy team is responsible for sorting things out whenever an RMLS subscriber contacts us — whether that is via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or directly by phone.
We track 34 specific issues in Listing Data Checker (LDC), the software that helps us spot and correct issues proactively. Eight of these are courtesy notifications, but the other 26 are informal violations of the RMLS Rules and Regulations. In addition to our focus on education, we also process formal violations throughout the year.
HOT TOPICS
Accurate data is very important to us at RMLS – ensuring accuracy is one of our core values. To that end, we use multiple checks and measures to ensure that accuracy. One such tool is the Report Issue button that can be found on every agent report listing in RMLSweb. The Report button enables you to alert our Data Accuracy department if you come across any listing data that may be inaccurate.
Why do we need your help with this? Given such a high volume of listings, It would be impossible for our staff to personally visit every property and verify each piece of data, so we are reliant on you, the RMLS community who are the experts in our local real estate markets, to alert us if you detect an issue. Those notifications allow us to follow up with the Seller’s Agent to get the data verified and corrected if need be.
The process is anonymous, meaning that we will never share the identity of anyone that alerts us to any issue. The verification and correction process can take some time to correct as we require permission from the Seller’s Agent before we can make any changes to a listing, so your patience is appreciated.
Accurate data is a benefit to all of us so please stay vigilant and let us know if you find any potential inaccuracies. If you have a question about your own listing or need us to help with any corrections, please contact our Help Desk.
TIP: Prior to scheduling a showing, it’s important to double-check the listing for any special showing accommodation requests or notes from the seller(s) and/or Seller’s Agent. Be safe out there!
The committee did not review any cases in January 2021.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In January 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 24,663 listings in addition to the 478 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 896 violation notices and 2,341 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition our team handled 303 phone calls.
Category
January
Missing Tax ID
434
Incorrect or Missing Information
128
Personal Promotion
106
Missing Owner Name
74
Property Condition
60
No Showings
52
Missing School
48
Incorrect Status
46
Incorrect First Photo
41
Duplicate Listing
38
Is Property a Condo
31
Incorrect Property Type
27
Address Issues
27
Inaccurate Lot Size
13
Conditions to Compensation
10
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
8
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
8
City Unknown
8
Partial Bathrooms 5+
6
Missing Condo Unit Number
3
Missing SQFT by Level
2
Fannie Mae/Homepath
1
The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in January 2021:
Category
January
Listing is Set to Expire
747
Listing Still Pending
545
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
200
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
45
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours
12
When we notice an uptick in a specific type of violation (perhaps a rule recently changed or market conditions leading to an increase in a certain type of issue), we may also put a notification up on RMLSweb, educating subscribers before one of their listings gets flagged and we need to contact them.
RMLS Data Accuracy can be reached via email or by phone at (503) 236-7657 if you have questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the data accuracy of specific listings, or simply want to chat with us more about the above information.
