RMLS Rules Roundup for September 2021

RMLS Rules Roundup for September 2021

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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 April 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

Recently we’ve received quite a few notifications regarding incorrect or missing schools. You may have noticed that some of the school names you are used to seeing are now missing from RMLSweb. Recently several school districts have gone through a renaming process, with some schools changing names multiple times.

If you don’t see a school that you think should be on the list and want to know whether the school is missing or has a new name, here’s what to do: First, double check the area for your listing. It can be easy to be looking in the wrong area if the listing is near a county line or area boundary. 

Next, check the local school district’s website for updated information. If you’re still not sure, you can always contact our Data Accuracy department at 503.395.1916 and we will help you determine what the new name of the school is.

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 April 2021.

INFORMAL VIOLATIONS

In April 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, 1,327 violation notices and 1,564 courtesy notices were sent out. In addition our team handled 378 phone calls.

CategoryApril
Missing Tax ID423
Missing School157
Incorrect or Missing Information127
No Showings94
Duplicate Listing92
Personal Promotion86
Missing Owner Name55
Property Condition50
Incorrect Status41
Is Property a Condo38
Incorrect First Photo36
Incorrect Property Type33
Inaccurate Lot Size23
Conditions to Compensation13
Listing Input in Incorrect MLS area12
Missing Condo Unit Number12
Partial Bathrooms 5+11
City Unknown7
HUD5
Missing SQFT by Level4
Address Issues4
Duplicate Listing in Different Categories3
Is Listing a Short Sale1

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

CategoryApril
Listing Still Pending632
Listing is Set to Expire447
Multiple Owner Names in First Field272
Listing Status Changed from PEN to SLD > 24 hours104
New Listing Input Over 24 Hours81
Listing Still in OMS, Public Records Indicate SLD28

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.