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 a 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 a RMLS™ subscriber contacts us—whether that is via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, by email, or contacting us directly by phone. In March 2020 our team handled 326 phone calls.
We track 32 specific issues in Listing Data Checker (LDC), the software that helps us spot and correct issues proactively. Six of these are courtesy notifications, but the other 24 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
Please remember to check state and local policies regarding showings, since several new policies, rules and regulations, and business best practices have been rolled out in recent weeks.
Please also check the listing for special accommodation requests or notes from the home seller or seller’s agent prior to scheduling a showing.
The committee reviewed 1 case in March 2020 that resulted in $100.00 in fines.
5.1.l – Unauthorized use of lockbox system: A buyer’s agent did not follow showing instructions.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In March 2020, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 34,158 listings in addition to the 483 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,041 violation notices and 1,601 courtesy notices were sent out.
Category
March
Missing Tax ID
394
Personal Promotion
320
Incorrect or Missing Information
126
Missing School
61
Missing Owner Name
60
No Showings
59
Incorrect Status
45
Missing or Incorrect 1st Photo
44
Duplicate Listing
34
Address Issues
29
Incorrect Property Type
25
HUD
24
Is Property a Condo
23
Conditions to Compensation
12
Inaccurate Lot Size
12
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
11
Partial Bathrooms 5+
9
City Unknown
6
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
4
Missing Condo Unit Number
4
Address Issues
8
Inaccurate Lot Size
7
HUD
5
Property Condition
2
Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in March 2020:
Category
March
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
560
Listing is Set to Expire
465
Listing Still Pending
270
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
72
Listing Status Change over 24 Hours
2
When we notice an uptick in a specific type of violation (perhaps a rule recently changed or market conditions lead 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 ever have questions about the RMLS™ Rules and Regulations, if you wonder whether a specific listing has inaccurate data, or if you want to chat with us more about the above information.
You asked, and we answered! Mobile devices are so prevalent in real estate that we took steps to modernize our client reports.
Starting on Wednesday, April 8 around noon, we will roll out a new, responsive format for these reports. In other words, they will look clean and streamlined on smartphones and tablets, not just a shrunken version of the desktop view.
The most essential info will be shown right up top, with alternating colors for each section to make for easier reading. Speaking of easier reading, the default text size will be 2 points larger (and in a spiffier font!), which helps when looking at a screen or at a printout.
Take a look at the before and after examples below. Bear in mind, this “new” example is just a mockup…you will see an actual photo when you look up client reports in the future.
The old look…
…and the NEW look!
We welcome your feedback, so please let us know what you think. If this new look is as popular as toilet paper and hand sanitizer, we might find even more ways to modernize our reporting features.
Thanks for being a loyal subscriber, and stay safe as we continue to flatten the curve!
I’m really looking for ways to constructively fill my time with all the social distancing during this pandemic. One of my fellow realtors said they saw some good resources on the RMLSweb desktop page, but I haven’t looked yet. Can you help me out with some ideas?
I’m concerned that what I’m really looking for is a way to ask specific questions about the RMLS™ modules and possibly some third-party software too. How can I do that?
— Bored on Broadway
Hi BB,
I can sure relate to your perspective. It can be challenging to keep yourself busy in a constructive manner (instead of, say, just binge-watching Tiger King on Netflix).
The article your fellow Realtor® mentioned is on the RMLSweb desktop page. I have included the info for you below, including links to various resources for our third-party vendors.
Regarding our modules, the RMLS™ Training team has just launched a new one-on-one training concept called Virtual Classroom! Registration is just like any one of our other courses, and here are Virtual Classroom details:
Classes are scheduled in one-hour blocks.
Go to Toolkit → Training Registration to find the option for “Web One on One” in the class scheduler.
Select this option and the date you wish to meet online, then select from the available times.
Please include any specifics you want us to focus on in the Comments box, then submit your selected date, time and comments.
A Trainer will confirm the appointment via email and provide you a link to join the video meeting.
When connecting to the Zoom meeting, using your computer audio is fine, particularly if you have a headset you use with your computer (this is my preferred way of video conferencing). You may also call into any of the phone numbers provided in the meeting information.
See you online BB!!
RMLS™ Third-Party Partners Training and Support Opportunities
HOMESNAP
A full calendar of live, self-paced, and prerecorded webinars is available to all RMLS™ subscribers including everything from a Homesnap Crash Course to Finding Seller Leads and can be accessed here. Homesnap also offers a brand-new webinar in the series “Five Tips for Providing Your Clients a Happier Home Search,” which is live at nine different times this week. Last, we have recently completed an overhaul of the Homesnap University Page, which is another excellent resource for all RMLS™ subscribers and includes quick tutorials, printables, and more!
REMINE
Accessing support and training
content for RMLS™ Subscribers from REMINE has never been easier. Whether it’s
Getting Started with REMINE, the REMINE Mobile App, registering for a Training
webinar or Chatting with the REMINE support team, you can do it all from the
link: REMINE
Training & Support for RMLS™ Subscribers
Immoviewer’s software platform
combines automated real estate
video content creation with simple, affordable and scalable 3D 360° tours.
Generate individual listing landing pages from your listing feed and create
Floor Plans without measuring using the fastest & most cost effective real
estate 3D 360° tour software available!
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 a 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 a RMLS™ subscriber contacts us—whether that is via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, by email, or contacting us directly by phone. In February 2020 our team handled 263 phone calls.
We track 32 specific issues in Listing Data Checker (LDC), the software that helps us spot and correct issues proactively. Six of these are courtesy notifications, but the other 24 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 gets warmer and business begins to heat up it is a good time to remind everyone that it is not okay to solicit listings that are under contract. Section 5.1.v of the Rules and Regulations states:
For solicitation of a listing under contract (i.e.: Active (ACT), Bumpable Buyer (BMP), Short Sale Pending (SSP), Pending (PEN), PendingLeaseOption (POP), Withdrawn (WTH), or Coming Soon‐No Showing (CSN)), a fine of up to Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500), in an amount to be determined by the RMLS™ Rules and Regulations Committee.
So please, if you see a listing has cancelled or expired recently, check to make sure that it is has not been relisted by the Seller’s Agent. This will save everyone some frustration and allow you to focus on profitable activities.
The committee reviewed 6 cases in February 2020 that resulted in $7,750 in fines.
5.1.l – Unauthorized use of lockbox system: A buyer’s agent did not follow showing instructions.
5.1.l – Unauthorized use of lockbox system: A buyer’s agent entered a listing that was in pending (PEN) status.
5.1.l – Unauthorized use of lockbox system: A buyer’s agent gave a lockbox code to their buyer without being present.
5.1.l – Unauthorized use of lockbox system: A buyer’s agent did not follow showing instructions.
5.1.l – Unauthorized use of lockbox system: A buyer’s agent gave a lockbox code to their buyer without being present.
5.1.s – Marketing of a Listing Prior to RMLS™Publication: A Seller’s Agent was found to be marketing a listing prior to publishing it as active (ACT) in the MLS.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In February 2020, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 20,938 listings in addition to the 426 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,041 violation notices and 1,601 courtesy notices were sent out.
Category
February
Missing Tax ID
383
Incorrect or Missing Information
113
Personal Promotion
109
Missing Owner Name
86
Missing School
73
Duplicate Listing
55
Incorrect Status
44
No Showings
38
Missing or Incorrect 1st Photo
27
Incorrect Property Type
24
Is Property a Condo
21
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
13
Conditions to Compensation
12
Missing Condo Unit Number
10
Address Issues
8
Inaccurate Lot Size
7
HUD
5
Year Built Description
4
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
4
City Unknown
3
Partial Bathrooms 5+
1
Is Listing a Short Sale
1
Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in February 2020:
Category
February
Listing is Set to Expire
760
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
387
Listing Still Pending
308
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
146
When we notice an uptick in a specific type of violation (perhaps a rule recently changed or market conditions lead 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 ever have questions about the RMLS™ Rules and Regulations, if you wonder whether a specific listing has inaccurate data, or if you 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 a 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 a RMLS™ subscriber contacts us—whether that is via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, by email, or contacting us directly by phone. In January 2020 our team handled 214 phone calls.
We track 32 specific issues in Listing Data Checker (LDC), the software that helps us spot and correct issues proactively. Six of these are courtesy notifications, but the other 24 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
A new year brings with it a new sequence for MLS numbers. Listings published in 2020 begin with ’20######’, where listings published in 2019 began with ’19######’. While it is not against the RMLS™ rules to refresh a listing, there are a few points to keep in mind. Refreshing a listing should be done at the request of the seller(s). If the seller(s) elects to refresh their listing in the MLS, the old listing should be changed to canceled (CAN) status not withdrawn (WTH). The Data Accuracy Department has received reports where the original listing was changed to withdrawn (WTH) status instead of canceled, and forgotten until the listing expires at some future date. This causes not only confusion for RMLS™ subscribers, it can be confusing to the property owner who may or may not have been the original seller(s) who receive inquiries on the status of their property.
The committee did not review any formal violations in January 2020.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In January 2020, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 22,529 listings in addition to the 493 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,221 violation notices and 1,953 courtesy notices were sent out.
Category
January
Missing Tax ID
471
Incorrect or Missing Information
129
Duplicate Listing
119
Missing Owner Name
94
Personal Promotion
85
Missing School
58
Incorrect Status
50
Year Built Description
46
Is Property a Condo
37
No Showings
22
Missing or Incorrect 1st Photo
18
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
17
Conditions to Compensation
15
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
13
Incorrect Property Type
15
Missing Condo Unit Number
8
Inaccurate Lot Size
8
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
7
Address Issues
7
Partial Bathrooms 5+
4
HUD
2
City Unknown
1
Is Listing a Short Sale
1
Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in January 2020:
Category
January
Listing is Set to Expire
1,015
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
405
Listing Still Pending
377
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
156
When we notice an uptick in a specific type of violation (perhaps a rule recently changed or market conditions lead 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 ever have questions about the RMLS™ Rules and Regulations, if you wonder whether a specific listing has inaccurate data, or if you want to chat with us more about the above information.
