This Week’s Lockbox Activity
For the week of September 26-October 2, 2016, these charts show the number of times RMLS™ subscribers opened SentriLock lockboxes in Oregon and Washington. Activity decreased in both Oregon and Washington this week.
For a larger version of each chart, visit the RMLS™ photostream on Flickr.
This Week’s Lockbox Activity
For the week of September 19-25, 2016, these charts show the number of times RMLS™ subscribers opened SentriLock lockboxes in Oregon and Washington. Activity decreased in both Oregon and Washington this week.
For a larger version of each chart, visit the RMLS™ photostream on Flickr.
Ask Technical Terry is a series RMLS™ aims to offer once a month. RMLS™ subscribers will drive the content—submit any question about RMLS™ to Technical Terry in the comments or by emailing communications@rmls.com. Don’t be shy—we won’t identify you by name.
Dear Technical Terry:
Can you tell me when I need to submit an Authorization to Exclude from MLS Addendum to RMLS™? I recently sent in a form and later learned it was unnecessary.
NRVOUS
Dear NRVOUS:
Don’t be afraid, you’re not the only person who has sent this form to us in error. It sounds like you’re familiar with the changes we recently made to the form, so you’re already ahead of the game.
If you have a signed contract and are not publishing the listing within 72 hours but still do want to market the property before that time, the Authorization to Exclude from MLS Addendum (Document #1260) is required. Complete the form and send it to RMLS™ within 72 hours of signing a listing contract.
There are other scenarios that would require this document to be completed as well, but it can be confusing. RMLS™ is here to help! Contact RMLS™ Data Accuracy at (503) 236-7657 or write us an email if you’re ever unsure about whether your situation requires submission of this form.
Technical Terry:
Why did RMLS™ redo the Office Exclusive form? As my uncle always said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…
Donald in Sutherlin
Hi Donald—great question. My uncle always used to say time heals all wounds. He died of an infected bedsore at the age of 76. But I digress…
I reached out to our Data Accuracy expert Vallerie Bush for more information about the story behind the new Authorization to Exclude from MLS form.
Vallerie reports that the name of the form itself was changed to better reflect what the form is being used for: when a seller is choosing to exclude their listing from RMLSweb. This could be the duration of the listing contract or a shorter length of time.
The look of the form also changed a bit, but the content is pretty similar. After each paragraph, the seller is asked to initial each point reflecting their understanding of each.
What’s the big idea behind these changes? The committee wants sellers to be informed about the value of listing their property on a multiple listing service, and precisely what they’re opting out of by signing the form.
Finally, Vallerie points out that because the title of the form changed, the RMLS™ Rules and Regulations and listing contracts for Oregon and Washington were also updated to reflect the new title.
Does that help, Donald? If you’re looking to dig deeper, we do have a FAQ document on RMLSweb about the Authorization to Exclude changes.
Hello, Technical Terry:
The other night I was checking out some Agent Fulls on RMLSweb and clicked on the listing agent’s name. A box came up with the agent’s name, contact information…and their photo! How did they get their photo to display on the report?
Peanut Butter and Jelly Jacqueline
Hello PB+JJ:
It sounds like you may have missed the RMLSweb roster improvements we made back in January. Uploading an agent photo as part of your roster information is so simple, you might be embarrassed when I tell you how to do it. Navigate to User Preferences—get there by clicking on your name on the upper right corner of RMLSweb.
Choose the tab on the left that says “My Photo.”
Then click Browse to select the photo file, and click the Upload button to finish. Voilà! Your photo will appear whenever agents click your name in an Agent Full or search for your roster information.
We’d love to see a sea of friendly REALTOR® faces on RMLSweb, so get that photo uploaded! Thanks for your question, PB+JJ.
This Week’s Lockbox Activity
For the week of September 12-18, 2016, these charts show the number of times RMLS™ subscribers opened SentriLock lockboxes in Oregon and Washington. Oregon and Washington each saw an increase in activity this week.
For a larger version of each chart, visit the RMLS™ photostream on Flickr.
The FBI operates a website dedicated specifically to internet crime. Image: FBI.gov
September is REALTOR® Safety Month! This is the second of two articles covering safety issues of particular interest to RMLS™ subscribers.
Remember the days when frauds and scams were easier to recognize and seemed like the type of things “other people” had to worry about? Technological advances have brought plenty of new tools, devices, and apps to improve organization and efficiency. Unfortunately the sophistication and prevalence of frauds and scams has advanced just as quickly.
AWARENESS
At any time, there are a number of common frauds and scams circulating both locally and globally. It used to be simpler to detect email scams, whether by blatantly odd email addresses or oddly conjugated messages—but former red flags are getting more difficult to detect, as scammers’ methods are continuously gaining sophistication. Here are a few red flags to look for.
Emails regarding wire transfers or containing wire transfer information: RED FLAG
Double and triple check your contact’s email address. Hackers will often observe email correspondence discussing wire transfers, then intercept the communication, posing as your contact. They imitate the language used in previous correspondence and include wire transfer information funneling into a fraudulent account. Often, the account is emptied and closed as soon as the wire transfer has occurred.
What to look for
Check the email address and carefully confirm its validity. For example, if you are expecting an email from angel.rmls@123.com, notice possible imposter email addresses:
ange1.rmls@123.com
angel.rm1s@123.com
angel.rmls@l23.com
angel.rmls.@123.com
Each of the above addresses vary from the first with a single, minor change. The replacement may replace the letter “L” with the number 1 or add an inconspicuous dot—but at first glance they all look very similar to the original address.
Emails requesting last-minute changes to wire transfers or monetary exchanges: RED FLAG
What to do
Check and double check your contact’s email address. Call your contact on the phone to confirm that details and changes are legitimate. Be alert and trust your instincts if something feels off.
Attachments or suspicious links: RED FLAG
There are a significant measure of viruses spread via email attachments and links. When opened, the virus wreaks havoc on devices and confidential information. In some cases, the attachments can be sent from a familiar email address that has been hacked.
What to do
Stay alert and look out for oddities. Were you expecting the attachment or link? Confirm with your contact that they sent an attachment or link intentionally—sometimes this is how people discover they’ve been hacked in the first place.
Another challenge to the local market is the Craigslist scam where photos of listed homes on the market are scraped and posted on Craigslist as being up for rent. Craigslist has quite a bit of information detailing what to do in these situations.
PREPAREDNESS
Your electronic safety can be greatly enhanced by an established data security plan, including best electronic practices, damage control, and reporting tools. Below are a few best practices for cyber safety:
NAR offers a useful article discussing best practices and policies for cyber safety. Does your office have an established data security plan or document retention plan?
DAMAGE CONTROL
If you have a data breach, there are a number of actions that may help with damage control:
Cyber safety is incredibly important for everyone. RMLS™ urges REALTORS® to stay informed and be alert to remain safe!