I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have misinformation on our MLS. As a Realtor I rely on my fellow agents to correctly upload their listings to the MLS. Once a listing hits the MLS it automatically syndicates out to hundreds of websites like Zillow and Trulia. So it all starts from the MLS. Routine mistakes include inaccurate subdivision names, bad directions or one of the many MLS violations.
Realtors are required per MLS rules to enter their properties on the MLS correctly or else they run the risk of being fined. There are currently 43 pages of rules and guidelines that Realtors must follow. Fines range from $100.00 to $1,000.00. And they can double for repeat offenders.
If an agent saw something that was a nuisance they had to call the Association, get put on hold and tell someone over the phone about a particular violation. Now, the Association, has made tattling on your fellow agent a whole lot easier:
We now have the Report it button at our disposable. A simple click and you can notify the Association of any common or any MLS violation you find.
You may wonder why an agent would want to report a violation. It's pretty simple. The continuity of our MLS depends on agents simply playing by the rules. Period.
In 10 years I have never been fined, but I have been reported. We all make honest mistakes, but some of the more obvious one's deserve to be fined and not just warned. Some blatant violations include coding a neighborhood in the wrong mls area to attract more potential buyers. I've also seen Listing Agents make threats under Agent Remarks (if I show the house your commission will be reduced) such language is not permitted. Realtors cannot type anything they want on the MLS.
Other common mistakes include not having enough photo's (or not providing written proof the seller doesn't want photo's). I once saw a picture of an agent who uploaded a photo of himself with his dog on the sellers couch. Not only was the shot silly, it was embarrassing and unprofessional. That photo was clearly a violation.
Another time I saw a picture of the White House instead of the actual home, again a clear violation and worthy of a fine if not removed and replaced with an actual photo of the home.
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