RMLS™ subscribers got an easier way to communicate with us about data inaccuracies when the Report Issue button (above) was added to the bottom of all Agent Full reports during our RMLSweb system improvements in January.

Since it was released on January 30th, more than 2,000 issues have been reported (averaging about 400 per month)!

If you haven’t yet explored this feature, when the Report Issue button is clicked a form pops up with the listing number and other identifying information already filled in (right). There is a menu of 12 options that can be selected.

Look below to see how the options ranked in the number of reports we have received.

Other is partly a catch-all of general inquiries, but one category that comes up frequently is corrections to the Comparable Information section for sold listings. We have even received compliments for the listing agent in this category. We were thrilled to read this issue report:

Please let the listing agent know what a great job she did on this listing. All the information is there that I need to help my client.

Vallerie Bush and Wanda Kennedy make up the RMLS™ team that ensures all reported data inaccuracies get resolved, and they are enthusiastic about this boost for RMLS™ data accuracy. (In addition to responding to issues reported through the Report Issue button, they field many phone calls and emails.) Wanda says:

I have only heard good things regarding the rules button. The subscribers say it saves them so much time. When they see something wrong with a listing they can send it in right then and there. I think it was a great idea!

Vallerie adds,

It is faster and more convenient to send a rules violation to RMLS™. I like it because it usually has most of the information needed when processing.

Keep the reports coming! Accurate data helps all of our subscribers and the buyers and sellers they serve.

Citizens of the Pacific Northwest are renowned for a commitment to living green, whether we’re walking our kids to school or composting our kitchen scraps.

How can REALTORS® do their part in maintaining the clean, natural beauty that makes our region such a joy to inhabit? In observance of Earth Day (April 22), we’ve compiled six ideas for real estate professionals who may be looking for ways to be a little more Earth-friendly.

1. Educate yourself!
In the RMLS™ region, educating yourself about sustainability can easily translate into more business. Consider earning a Green Designation from the National Association of REALTORS®—to celebrate Earth Day, in April they’re offering 25% off the course bundle. Or consider taking a course from Earth Advantage Institute, who trains real estate professionals to market and sell green homes.

2.  Encourage clients to make energy efficiency upgrades in their homes.
Energy-efficient homes can mean lower utility bills, rebates, tax credits, and more! Energy-efficient homes are also much less likely to go into default, and are highly desirable to home buyers.

3. Consider everyday business practices.
Real estate can generate a lot of paper, other waste, and require a lot of travel. Could you send a PDF rather than printing out a client report? Print marketing materials on recycled paper with soy-based (rather than petroleum-based) inks? Reducing or batching car trips is another tactic that’s good for both the planet and your business—less money spent on gas means more money in your pocket! And if you’re one of the northwest’s many coffee fiends, bringing a reusable mug to your morning java joint is one of the easiest ways to reduce landfill waste.

4. Attend sustainability-minded conferences.
The Better Living Show in Portland is a great place to learn about sustainable products for the home and garden. Likewise, GoGreen is a meeting of sustainability oriented businesspersons, with yearly events in both Portland and Seattle. These events also offer a great opportunity to hear about like-minded vendors and network with potential clients!

5. Take care of green infrastructure in your community.
RMLS™ is contacted regularly by government staff members hoping to reach out to REALTORS® about community facilities. You may not be familiar with green street facilities, multi-use paths/bikeways, and other green infrastructure, but they’re important to the health of the community! They provide community benefits such as reducing traffic congestion, absorbing on-street floods, and providing a more livable community. When you encounter these facilities, avoid disrupting them by placing for sale signs in the public way, as we advised in this recent article about buying and selling a house with green street facilities.

6. Be a recycling resource.
People who are moving from one house to another will have stuff they need to get rid of. Brokers can help clients by providing resources for recycling or reusing goods. Thrift stores, Freecycle, or non-profits such as Dress for Success can utilize clothes and other household goods. Many (but not all) charities accept car donations. Local governments can put people in touch with companies that recycle nearly anything (Clark County and Metro, for example).

There are plenty of ways you can help keep our region’s environment healthy—all it takes is the choice to do so. If you’re interested in cultivating environmentalism in real estate and you’re a member of the Portland Metro Association of REALTORS®, consider getting involved with their sustainability committee—or start one at your REALTOR® association!

Do you have any Earth-friendly tips for fellow REALTORS®?

Time for another infographic! We’re taking a look at new construction in this one. Pictured below is the Portland Metro New Construction Infographic but you can also check out: All Areas, Clark County, Douglas County and Lane County.

We’ve been receiving wonderful feedback from you on our previous “Actives” infographic — thank you!

After posting the distressed property charts, we thought it might be fun to put together some stats on active listings. The Portland Metro area is pictured here but you can also check out: All Areas, Clark County, Douglas County and Lane County.

See a visual representation of distressed properties in our market!