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contract (i.e.: Active (ACT), Bumpable Buyer (BMP), Short Sale Pending (SSP), Pending (PEN), PendingLeaseOption (POP), Withdrawn (WTH), or Coming Soon‐No Showing (CSN)), a fine of up to Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500), in an amount to be determined by the RMLS™ Rules and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.
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 December 2019 our team handled 195 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 winter moves into spring and the volume of new listings starts to increase remember that personal promotion on video and virtual tours are a violation of the RMLS™ Rules and Regulations. Any video or virtual tour that is linked on your listing must be devoid of any identifying personal and brokerage information. This means that the tour(s) themselves cannot have any identifying personal promotion information. If you have a video or virtual tour that is branded with personal promotion, you can post it on your own personal website.
The committee reviewed three formal violations in December for a total of $1,750.00 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 gave a lockbox access code to their buyer.
5.1.l – Unauthorized use of lockbox system: A buyer’s agent did not follow showing instructions.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In December 2019, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 24,823 listings in addition to the 384 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 810 violation notices and 1,459 courtesy notices were sent out.
Category
December
Missing Tax ID
316
Personal Promotion
92
Incorrect or Missing Information
86
Missing Owner Name
46
Missing School
43
No Showings
29
Duplicate Listing
26
Year Built Description
25
Conditions to Compensation
24
Missing or Incorrect 1st Photo
18
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
13
Is Property a Condo
12
Inaccurate Lot Size
5
City Unknown
5
Partial Bathrooms 5+
3
Missing Condo Unit Number
2
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
2
Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in December 2019:
Category
December
Listing is Set to Expire
695
Listing Still Pending
410
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
240
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
114
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 November 2019 our team handled 205 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
This fall we have heard some concerns regarding buyers agents potentially giving out SentriLock codes when they are unable to be present at a showing. As a reminder this is a violation and it is never okay for a buyers agent to give a lockbox code to anyone for any reason. If you are unable to be present with your buyer please arrange for someone else to show the property or reschedule the showing.
The committee did not review any formal violations in November as they did not meet.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In November 2019, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 27,010 listings in addition to the 405 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,029 violation notices and 1,774 courtesy notices were sent out.
Category
November
Missing Tax ID
416
Personal Promotion
127
Incorrect or Missing Information
82
Year Built Description
77
Duplicate Listing
63
Missing School
57
Missing Owner Name
56
No Showings
35
Missing Condo Unit Number
26
Is Property a Condo
19
Missing or Incorrect 1st Photo
17
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area
15
Conditions to Compensation
12
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
9
Inaccurate Lot Size
7
HUD
3
City Unknown
2
Duplicate Listing Different Agent
1
Is Listing a Short Sale
1
Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in November 2019:
Category
November
Listing is Set to Expire
1,066
Listing Still Pending
336
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
282
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
90
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 September 2019 our team handled 232 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
Did you know our system sends out courtesy notices? The two main courtesy notices are sent to help remind sellers’ agents about their listings that are set to expire within ten days or their listings that have remained in pending (PEN) status for over 90 days. If you receive a courtesy notice about one of your listings, take a look and see if that listing needs to be updated in RMLSweb. If the information provided is correct, then no action is needed. If you have any questions regarding a courtesy notice simply reply to the email and Data Accuracy will be happy to help answer your questions.
The committee reviewed two formal violations at the September meeting. The violations were both for misuse of a lockbox and a total of $1,600.00 in fines were levied.
5.1L Unauthorized Use of a Lockbox:An agent entered a listing that was in PEN status.
5.1L Unauthorized Use of a Lockbox: Buyer’s agent provided a lockbox code to their buyer.
INFORMAL VIOLATIONS
In September 2019, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 21,445 listings in addition to the 469 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,336 violation notices and 2,433 courtesy notices were sent out.
Category
September
Missing Tax ID
464
Personal Promotion
129
Missing School
93
Incorrect or Missing Information
82
Year Built
80
Duplicate Listing
51
Missing Owner Name
28
No Showings
25
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS Area
19
Missing or Incorrect 1st Photo
18
Is Property a Condo
12
Conditions to Compensation
11
Missing Condo Unit Number
11
Inaccurate Lot Size
8
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories
8
Partial Bathrooms Greater than Five
6
City Unknown
5
Duplicate Listing Different Listing Agent
1
Is Listing a Short Sale?
1
Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in September 2019:
Category
September
Listing Still Pending
401
Multiple Owner Names in First Field
359
Listing is Set to Expire
272
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours
80
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.
