RMLS™ Rules Roundup for January 2020

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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seller(s) elects to refresh their listing in the MLS, the old listing should be changed to canceled (CAN) status not withdrawn (WTH). The Data Accuracy Department has received reports where the original listing was changed to withdrawn (WTH) status instead of canceled, and forgotten until the listing expires at some future date.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.

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 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.




RMLS™ Rules Roundup for December 2019

Gavel

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.

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 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.




RMLS™ Rules Roundup for November 2019

Gavel

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.

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 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.




RMLS™ Rules Roundup for October 2019

Gavel

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 October 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

October saw an increase of accidental status changes on listings. In some cases, the Seller’s Agent accidentally changed the status to Bumpable Buyer (BMP) shortly after publishing the listing in RMLSweb. Each status change results in a history record being created, and when a status change occurs accidentally, this can potentially cause confusion for other subscribers. If you navigate to the status change module in Listing Load by accident and do not wish to change the status of your listing, simply press the “Cancel” button.

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 formal violations in October as they did not meet.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

In October 2019, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 17,579 listings in addition to the 406 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,098 violation notices and 1,282 courtesy notices were sent out.

Category October
Missing Tax ID 405
Personal Promotion 106
Incorrect or Missing Information 105
Missing Owner Name 86
Missing Condo Unit Number 84
Missing School 74
Year Built Description 65
No Showings 38
Missing or Incorrect 1st Photo 37
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area 29
Duplicate Listing 19
Conditions to Compensation 18
Is Property a Condo 15
Inaccurate Lot Size 6
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories 6
City Unknown 3
HUD 2

Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in October 2019:

Category October
Listing is Set to Expire 457
Multiple Owner Names in First Field 365
Listing Still Pending 353
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours 107

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.




RMLS™ Rules Roundup for September 2019

Gavel

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.

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 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.




RMLS™ Rules Roundup for July 2019

Gavel

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 July 2019 our team handled 276 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

Ever wonder what is included in the “Incorrect or Missing Information” category? The types of issues that are reported to us are broad and varied and often change from month to month. Some examples of things that we see are inquiries about agents that were involved in a sale, what type of frontage does the property have, is the neighborhood correct, and price inquiries. We also get a general questions that don’t result in a violation and these are not tracked as such.

We encourage everyone to use the “Report Issue” button that can be found at the bottom of listings in RMLSweb to let us know if you think there is an issue with the listing you are viewing.

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 receive any formal violations to review for the July or August meetings.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

In July 2019, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 22,466 listings in addition to the 462 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,315 violation notices and 1,813 courtesy notices were sent out.

Category July
Missing Tax ID 481
Personal Promotion 150
Incorrect or Missing Information 114
Missing School 108
Year Built 107
No Showings 76
Duplicate Listing 71
Missing Owner Name 66
Listing has Incorrect Status 39
Conditions to Compensation 31
Is Property a Condo 30
Missing or Incorrect 1st Photo 24
Listing has Incorrect Property Type 22
Inaccurate Lot Size 15
Partial Bathrooms Greater Than Five 13
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS Area 10
Missing Condo Unit Number 9
City Unknown 6
HUD 2
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories 2

Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in July 2019:

Category July
Multiple Owner Names in First Field 848
Listing is Set to Expire 447
Listing Still Pending 351
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours 167

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.




RMLS™ Rules Roundup for June 2019

Gavel

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 June 2019 our team handled 293 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

We have recently been receiving many inquiries about listings in Bumpable Buyer (BMP) status. As a reminder, the RMLS™ Rules and Regulations define BMP as:

3.16 a. “Accepted Offer with Bumpable Buyerʺ. Accepted offers with bumpable buyers shall be only those listings with an accepted offer which provides:
1) that the buyer’s purchase is contingent upon the sale of the buyer’s property within a limited time;
2) the buyer’s property is in a category which can be listed in RMLS™; and
3) that if the seller receives another acceptable offer, the first buyer has a specified period to remove the contingency.
A property may not remain in “active” status if an offer has been accepted with the foregoing terms. “Accepted offer with bumpable buyer” sales will remain as searchable listings in “BMP” status in the RMLS™ System until the buyer is no longer bumpable and the appropriate status change is reported.

New property searches in RMLSweb automatically default to include BMP in the status field. When searching on internet sites, BMP listings may appear as “Contingent,” so it is important to explain to your buyers and sellers what this status means and how it may appear on internet sites. 

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 four formal violations at their June meeting. Two were for Unauthorized Use of a Lockbox, another was for Marketing of a Listing Prior to MLS Publication, and the last one was for Marketing of a Coming Soon-No Showing Listing. A total of $1,100.00 in fines were levied by the committee.

  • 5.1L Unauthorized Use of a Lockbox: Buyer’s agent provided a lockbox code to a 3rd party.
  • 5.1L Unauthorized Use of a Lockbox: Buyer’s agent provided a lockbox code to a 3rd party.
  • 5.1S Marketing of Listing Prior to RMLS Publication: A listing was marketed for a week prior to publication in RMLSweb.
  • 5.1U Marketing of Coming Soon-No Showing Listing: A CSN listing was sent to an internet site viewable by the general public.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

In June 2019, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 22,959 listings in addition to the 503 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,220 violation notices and 2,158 courtesy notices were sent out.

Category June
Missing Tax ID 458
Personal Promotion 133
Duplicate Listing 94
Incorrect or Missing Information 86
Missing School 86
Missing Owner Name 48
Year Built 70
No Showings 69
Is Property a Condo 30
Missing First Photo 19
HUD 18
Inaccurate Lot Size 18
Conditions to Compensation 16
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS Area 12
Partial Bathrooms Greater Than Five 11
Duplicate Listing in Different Category 5
City Unknown 4
Address Issues 1

Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in June 2019:

Category June
Multiple Owner Names in First Field 1,007
Listing is Set to Expire 548
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours 232
Listing Still Pending 366
Listing Status Change Over 24 Hours 5

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.




RMLS™ Rules Roundup for May 2019

Gavel

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 May 2019 our team handled 293 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

Over the past few years unauthorized use of a lockbox has been a frequently seen formal violation. As a reminder—the potential penalties for this violation can include fines and possible suspension or expulsion from RMLS™. It is important to remember that you should not enter listings that are not active nor without following the showing instructions. You should also not generate codes and give them out to anyone if you are acting as a buyers’ agent. The sellers’ agent may generate a one day code, typically for use by someone doing work on behalf of their seller and always with the seller’s permission.

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.

In May 2019, four formal rules violation were filed. These will be reviewed at the June 2019 Rules Committee meeting. The committee reviewed three formal violations at their May meeting. Two were for unauthorized use of a lockbox and the third was for not changing a listing to PEN status for over 144 hours. A total of $1,700.00 in fines were levied by the committee.

  • 5.1L Unauthorized Use of a Lockbox: Buyer’s agent entered a property that was in PEN status.
  • 5.1L Unauthorized Use of a Lockbox: Buyer’s agent was provided an access code by another agent who was not present in order to enter a property.
  • 5.1C Listing PEN Status Change greater than 144 hours: A listing with an accepted offer was not changed to PEN for more than 144 hours.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

In May 2019, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 28,829 listings in addition to the 606 notices sent through “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,419 violation notices and 2,337 courtesy notices were sent out.

Category May
Missing Tax ID 432
Incorrect or Missing Information 134
Missing School 131
Year Built 119
Missing Owner Name 107
Personal Promotion 102
Address Issues 93
Duplicate Listing 80
No Showings 66
Is Property a Condo 37
Missing First Photo 29
HUD 18
Inaccurate Lot Size 15
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS Area 15
Conditions to Compensation 13
Partial Bathrooms Greater than 5 8
Duplicate Listing in Different Category 7
City Unknown

Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in May 2019:

Category May
Multiple Owner Names in 1st Field 1,062
Listing is Set to Expire 773
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours 209
Listing Still Pending 292
Listing Status Change Over 24 Hours 1

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.




RMLS™ Rules Roundup for April 2019

Gavel

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 April 2019 our team handled 275 phone calls.

We track 30 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

In April we received several inquiries regarding recent marketing of Coming Soon-No Showing (CSN) listings. In December of 2018 a change was made to Rule 3.28 to clarify what types of marketing are allowed on CSN listings. A Broker may share CSN listings with their clients, current customers, and other active RMLS™ subscribers. They may not share them publicly.

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.

In April 2019, two formal rules violation were filed for a total of three [one was received in late March 2019] that were referred to the Rules Committee during their May 2019 meeting.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

In April 2019, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 21,778 listings in addition to the 622 notices sent through Report Issue button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,474 violation notices and 1,943 courtesy notices were sent out.

Category April
Missing Tax ID 584
Incorrect or Missing Information 172
Personal Promotion 120
Missing Owner Name 106
Missing School 91
Duplicate Listing 86
Year Built 79
No Showings 50
Is Property a Condo 43
Conditions to Compensation 37
Incorrect First Photo 27
HUD 27
Duplicate Listing in Different Category 17
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS Area 13
Partial Bathrooms Greater Than 5 9
Inaccurate Lot Size 5
City Unknown 4
Missing Condo Unit Number 4

Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in April 2019:

Category April
Multiple Owner Names in 1st Field 1,019
Listing is Set to Expire 501
Listing Still Pending 255
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours 167
Listing Status Change Over 24 Hours 1

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.




RMLS™ Rules Roundup for March 2019

Gavel

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 2019 our team handled 293 phone calls.

We track 30 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

RMLS™ started sending out courtesy notices spring 2018 when Data Accuracy staff began using LDC. These notices are not violations, but rather courtesy notices informing subscribers to something regarding their listing. One of the newest courtesy notices is one that lets the seller’s agent know that their listing is set to expire within 10 days. We know that life can be busy and that reminders are helpful. In March 2019, 1,014 courtesy notices were sent out.

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.

In March 2019, one formal rules violation was filed, with a total of , with a grand total of $500 fine levied. Following is a list of the specific violation:

  • 5.1L Unauthorized Use of a Lockbox: Buyer’s agent provided buyers a one day code to access a listing, allowing the buyers and home inspector access to property without permission or representation. Seller notified Seller’s Agent that the buyers and home inspector were inside the listing without their agent present.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

In March 2019, RMLS™ Data Accuracy staff reviewed 20,254 listings in addition to the 548 notices sent through Report Issue button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,428 violation notices and 2,524 courtesy notices were sent out.

Category March
Missing Tax ID 621
Personal Promotion 140
Incorrect or Missing Information 116
Missing Owner Name 108
Missing School 103
Year Built 80
Duplicate Listing 70
No Showings 41
Is Property a Condo 37
Incorrect 1st Photo 19
Duplicate Listing in Different Category 17
Conditions to Compensation 16
Missing Condo Unit Number 16
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS Area 15
Partial Bathrooms Greater Than 5 11
Inaccurate Lot Size 8
City Unknown 6
HUD 3
Is Listing a Short Sale? 1

Following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS™ subscribers in March 2019:

Category March
Multiple Owner Names in 1st Field 1,054
Listing is Set to Expire 1,014
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours 247
Listing Still Pending 207
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.