RMLS Rules Roundup for September 2021

RMLS Rules Roundup for September 2021

Gavel

The Rules Roundup provides a monthly accounting of RMLS rules violations and courtesy notifications. Our Data Accuracy team manages all reports of property listing errors, tracking 34 specific issues outlined in the RMLS Rules and Regulations, and is responsible for addressing subscriber questions and concerns regarding listing accuracy whether those are submitted via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or by phone. When there are increases in specific violation types, we often place notifications on RMLSweb in order to alert subscribers so that they can avoid violations.

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Every month we send more courtesy notices than we do violation notices by a fairly wide margin. The top two most sent notices every month are reminders to let our subscribers know that their listing is going to expire soon and that their listing is still in pending (PEN) status.

We understand that life can be hectic, and we want to make sure that you are aware of what is happening with your listings. Year-to-date we have sent 10,054 notices, split nearly evenly between the two categories. In contrast, the top two violation notices, Missing Tax ID, and Incorrect or Missing Information, have combined for 5,045 total year-to-date.

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 2 cases in September 2021.

The committee reviewed one case in June 2021 that resulted in fines totaling $2,700.00.

  • 5.1.l – Unauthorized use of lockbox system: A Buyer’s Agent gave keys to a listing to the buyer prior to closing and then left them there.
  • 5.1.q – Availability for Showing: A Seller’s Agent did not make a listing available for showing.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS & COURTESY NOTICES

In September 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 28,796 listings in addition to the 449 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,220 violation notices and 1,577 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition, our team handled 416 phone calls.

CategorySeptember
Missing Tax ID370
Incorrect or Missing Information141
Missing School132
Personal Promotion131
Missing Owner Name61
Incorrect Status56
No Showings55
Duplicate Listing55
Is Property a Condo43
Property Condition35
Incorrect First Photo32
Incorrect Property Type31
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area21
Inaccurate Lot Size17
Missing Condo Unit Number16
Partial Bathrooms 5+12
Conditions to Compensation9
HUD1
City Unknown1
Missing SQFT by Level1

The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in September 2021:

CategorySeptember
Listing is Set to Expire649
Listing Still Pending451
Multiple Owner Names in First Field290
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours104
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours51
Listing Still in OMS, Public Records Indicate SLD32

Questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the accuracy of specific listings can be directed to the RMLS Data Accuracy department at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or 503.395.1916.

RMLS Rules Roundup for September 2021

RMLS Rules Roundup for August 2021

Gavel

The Rules Roundup provides a monthly accounting of RMLS rules violations and courtesy notifications. Our Data Accuracy team manages all reports of property listing errors, tracking 34 specific issues outlined in the RMLS Rules and Regulations, and is responsible for addressing subscriber questions and concerns regarding listing accuracy whether those are submitted via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or by phone. When there are increases in specific violation types, we often place notifications on RMLSweb in order to alert subscribers so that they can avoid violations.

AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS

When entering a residential listing, it is important to make sure that the correct property type is listed. There can be some confusion about what the property type should be for a listing. Fortunately, we have a handy document that defines property types that you can bookmark in case you need it.

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 cases in August 2021.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS & COURTESY NOTICES

In August 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 31,260 listings in addition to the 490 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,275 violation notices and 2,018 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition, our team handled 416 phone calls.

CategoryAugust
Missing Tax ID434
Personal Promotion148
Missing School124
Incorrect or Missing Information122
No Showings65
Missing Owner Name58
Duplicate Listing56
Incorrect Status43
Property Condition37
Incorrect First Photo32
Incorrect Property Type30
Conditions to Compensation29
Is Property a Condo27
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area17
Partial Bathrooms 5+14
Missing Condo Unit Number10
HUD9
Inaccurate Lot Size8
Address Issues8
City Unknown3
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories1

The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in August 2021:

CategoryAugust
Listing Still Pending631
Listing is Set to Expire548
Multiple Owner Names in First Field360
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours320
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours90
Listing Still in OMS, Public Records Indicate SLD69

Questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the accuracy of specific listings can be directed to the RMLS Data Accuracy department at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or 503.395.1916.

RMLS Rules Roundup for September 2021

RMLS Rules Roundup for July 2021

Gavel

The Rules Roundup provides a monthly accounting of RMLS rules violations and courtesy notifications. Our Data Accuracy team manages all reports of property listing errors, tracking 34 specific issues outlined in the RMLS Rules and Regulations, and is responsible for addressing subscriber questions and concerns regarding listing accuracy whether those are submitted via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or by phone. When there are increases in specific violation types, we often place notifications on RMLSweb in order to alert subscribers so that they can avoid violations.

JULY HIGHLIGHTS

When a listing is input into RMLS it is important to remember that personal promotion is not allowed in the public remarks, on the photos, or in the virtual/video tours. Rule 3.25 of the RMLS Rules and Regulations states:

Listings submitted to RMLS may be used to provide information pertinent to the listed property only and may not be used to provide broker, seller or lessor contact information, or to advertise a Subscriber’s services to the public by way of direct or indirect advertising or “branding” of the listing data (through linking or otherwise.)

This rule is why we don’t allow links in the public remarks as well as why video tours must not lead to a site that contains contact information. We do review video tours to ensure that they are unbranded. In addition, we review the site where the video is hosted to make sure that it is also free from personal promotion.

Some personal promotion examples to avoid are using your name, your firm’s name, or having an email or phone number on the host site. One example of a hosting site would be YouTube. If the hosting site requires a name to be displayed our recommendation would be to use the property address, a generic phrase like “property for sale,” or a description from the public remarks.

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 meet in July as there were no cases to review.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS & COURTESY NOTICES

In July 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 32,693 listings in addition to the 435 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,284 violation notices and 1,994 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition, our team handled 322 phone calls.

CategoryJuly
Missing Tax ID418
Personal Promotion184
Missing School153
Incorrect or Missing Information109
No Showings62
Property Condition56
Missing Owner Name42
Duplicate Listing39
Incorrect Status39
Is Property a Condo38
Incorrect First Photo32
Incorrect Property Type26
Conditions to Compensation20
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area18
Inaccurate Lot Size11
Missing Condo Unit Number10
City Unknown9
Partial Bathrooms 5+7
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories5
HUD2
Address Issues2
Missing SQFT by Level2

The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in July 2021:

CategoryJuly
Listing Still Pending618
Listing is Set to Expire515
Multiple Owner Names in First Field397
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours289
Listing Still in OMS, Public Records Indicate SLD89
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours86

Questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the accuracy of specific listings can be directed to the RMLS Data Accuracy department at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or 503.395.1916.

RMLS Rules Roundup for September 2021

RMLS Rules Roundup for June 2021

Gavel

The Rules Roundup provides a monthly accounting of RMLS rules violations and courtesy notifications. Our Data Accuracy team manages all reports of property listing errors, tracking 34 specific issues outlined in the RMLS Rules and Regulations, and is responsible for addressing subscriber questions and concerns regarding listing accuracy whether those are submitted via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or by phone. When there are increases in specific violation types, we often place notifications on RMLSweb in order to alert subscribers so that they can avoid violations.

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

We are seeing a greater number of listings that are being entered and not able to be shown right away. As a reminder, if a listing has been entered into RMLS it must be available for showing unless it meets criteria laid out in rule 3.27 of the RMLS Rules and Regulations:

Availability for Showing. With the exception of Commercial Lease, Auction, and Coming Soon-No Showing listings, all active listings shall be available for showing immediately upon entry into the RMLS system, excluding listings which require all offers to be made contingent on interior inspection. Listings cannot restrict showing until a future date.

Though there may be valid reasons for your client to restrict showings, such as a renter occupying the property or the property being unsafe, but in cases like this agents should add a statement to the listing remarks that explains that all offers are contingent upon an interior inspection. It may be helpful to provide a brief explanation as to why showings are unavailable. If a home is simply not ready to be shown but you want to let people know it will available soon then publishing as Coming Soon-No Showing (CSN) would be appropriate. This allows other RMLS subscribers the chance to know about your listing so that they can share it with their clients while still affording your client up to 21 days to finish getting their home ready for showings.

It is also important to follow the showing instructions. As listing volume increases with the sunny weather, it can be easy to get excited and not double check the instructions before taking a client into a listing.

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 one case in June 2021 that resulted in a fine of $250.00.

  • 5.1.l – Unauthorized use of lockbox system: A Buyer’s Agent did not follow showing instructions.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS & COURTESY NOTICES

In June 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 35,446 listings in addition to the 505 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,380 violation notices and 2,065 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition, our team handled 515 phone calls.

CategoryJune
Missing Tax ID350
Personal Promotion183
Missing School182
Incorrect or Missing Information143
No Showings133
Duplicate Listing69
Missing Owner Name48
Incorrect Status41
Incorrect First Photo40
Property Condition39
Incorrect Property Type38
Is Property a Condo36
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area18
Inaccurate Lot Size14
Conditions to Compensation13
Address Issues9
Missing Condo Unit Number7
Partial Bathrooms 5+7
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories6
City Unknown2
HUD2

The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in June 2021:

CategoryJune
Listing Still Pending661
Listing is Set to Expire558
Multiple Owner Names in First Field354
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours331
Listing Still in OMS, Public Records Indicate SLD90
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours71

Questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the accuracy of specific listings can be directed to the RMLS Data Accuracy department at dataaccuracy@rmls.com or 503.395.1916.

RMLS Rules Roundup for September 2021

RMLS Rules Roundup for March 2021

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 an 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 an RMLS subscriber contacts us — whether that is via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or directly by phone.

We track 34 specific issues in Listing Data Checker (LDC), the software that helps us spot and correct issues proactively. Eight of these are courtesy notifications, but the other 26 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 warms up and more houses begin to be put on the market it is important to keep in mind the rules regarding lockbox access and showings. Violating the lockbox and showing rules can have serious consequences which may include fines or even suspension from RMLS.

Rule 7.1 reads as follows:

The appointment for showing of listed property shall be arranged as indicated in the RMLS Listing Data Input Form.

a. A Cooperating Broker or Appraiser may use the lockbox access device to enter a listing whose status is Active, Bumpable or Short Sale Pending, only in accordance with the instructions on the RMLS Listing Data Input Form or in accordance with the express instructions of the Listing Broker or Owner.
b. A Cooperating Broker or Appraiser may use the lockbox access device to enter a listing whose status is other than Active, Bumpable or Short Sale Pending, only with the express permission of the Listing Broker or Owner.
c. A Listing Broker, Cooperating Broker or Appraiser may not use the lockbox access device to enter a listing whose status is Coming Soon-No Showing.
d. A property in Coming Soon-No Showing status cannot be shown.
e. If the Listing Broker’s representative is to accompany a Cooperating Broker on the showing of a listing, that requirement must be included in the RMLS Listing Data Input Form and the Listing Broker must have a representative available to accompany the showing at the convenience of the Owner and customer.
f. No Participant or Subscriber may require from a Cooperating Broker a prospective Purchaser’s address or telephone number.

Some tips to keep in mind:

  • Always follow the showing instructions and check the status of a listing prior to opening the lockbox, even if you checked before you left the office. It is better to take the extra step than to accidentally enter a pending listing.
  • Do not let your buyer have access to the listing before the agreed upon transfer of possession date. The seller is still the owner of the property until that time – your buyer may be excited to see the property, but until the transfer you should make an appointment with the Seller’ Agent to view the property. Utilizing the tools available and keeping the rule in mind will help to keep all parties safe and happy.
  • Prior to scheduling a showing, it’s important to double-check the listing for any special showing accommodation requests or notes from the seller(s) and/or Seller’s Agent.

Be safe out there!

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 cases in March 2021.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

In March 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 31,851 listings in addition to the 574 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,235 violation notices and 1,354 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition our team handled 343 phone calls.

CategoryMarch
Missing Tax ID424
Incorrect or Missing Information150
Personal Promotion119
Missing School100
No Showings89
Missing Owner Name51
Incorrect Status45
Incorrect First Photo42
Property Condition41
Incorrect Property Type32
Is Property a Condo25
Duplicate Listing21
Address Issues16
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories14
Inaccurate Lot Size12
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area10
Partial Bathrooms 5+10
Conditions to Compensation8
Missing Condo Unit Number7
HUD4
City Unknown2

The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in March 2021:

CategoryMarch
Listing is Set to Expire563
Listing Still Pending489
Multiple Owner Names in First Field217
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours72
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours13

When we notice an uptick in a specific type of violation (perhaps a rule recently changed or market conditions leading 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 have questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the data accuracy of specific listings, or simply want to chat with us more about the above information.

RMLS Rules Roundup for September 2021

RMLS Rules Roundup for February 2021

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 an 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 an RMLS subscriber contacts us — whether that is via the “Report Issue” button on a listing, through email, or directly by phone.

We track 34 specific issues in Listing Data Checker (LDC), the software that helps us spot and correct issues proactively. Eight of these are courtesy notifications, but the other 26 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

Spring time offers the chance to take great photos of your listings. As the season approaches, it’s important to remember that photographs aren’t just a terrific option to market homes – they’re required! Per RMLS Rules and Regulations section 3.8:

At the time of publication, listings submitted to RMLS are required to have one (1) photograph of the exterior building view, except for bare land, which must have a photograph of the land. If the seller does not wish to have a photograph published, a Photograph Omission Form or equivalent
document signed by the seller is required and must be submitted to RMLS within 24 hours of listing publication.

Another item that Buyer’s Agents should keep in mind is that you can request confirmation that your offer was presented. RMLS Rules and Regulations section 8.3 says:

Where the Cooperating Broker is not present during the presentation of the offer, the Cooperating Broker can request in writing, and the Listing Broker must provide, as soon as practical, written affirmation stating that the offer has been submitted to the seller, or written notification that the seller has waived the obligation to have the offer presented.

TIP: Prior to scheduling a showing, it’s important to double-check the listing for any special showing accommodation requests or notes from the seller(s) and/or Seller’s Agent. Be safe out there!

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 cases in February 2021.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

In February 2021, the RMLS Data Accuracy staff reviewed 23,447 listings in addition to the 444 notices sent through the “Report Issue” button on RMLSweb. Of the items reviewed, 1,161 violation notices and 1,243 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition our team handled 303 phone calls.

CategoryFebruary
Missing Tax ID447
Incorrect or Missing Information140
Personal Promotion115
Missing School78
No Showings68
Missing Owner Name40
Incorrect Status38
Incorrect Property Type38
Property Condition37
Conditions to Compensation31
Duplicate Listing22
Incorrect First Photo17
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area15
Address Issues13
Inaccurate Lot Size10
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories5
HUD5
Partial Bathrooms 5+2
City Unknown1
Missing Condo Unit Number1
Not a Short Sale1

The following are the courtesy notifications sent to RMLS subscribers in February 2021:

CategoryFebruary
Listing is Set to Expire539
Listing Still Pending405
Multiple Owner Names in First Field212
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours72
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours12

When we notice an uptick in a specific type of violation (perhaps a rule recently changed or market conditions leading 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 have questions about RMLS Rules and Regulations or the data accuracy of specific listings, or simply want to chat with us more about the above information.