Real Estate Blog - Do You Proofread Your Listings?

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Do You Proofread Your Listings?

typos Whether you input your listings yourself into your MLS or your assistant or the office secretary does, it's always a good idea to proofread your listings, preferably soon after they are entered into the MLS and especially if you won't be uploading any photos at the same time the listing is entered (or ever).

Over the years, I've come across many typos and incorrect information on new (and old) listings. This never ceases to be amaze me. When you consider that most seller's largest financial investment is their home and the MLS is the main vehicle used to market the majority of homes, the least we could do is give the MLS listing data the importance it deserves. There have been properties listed that have not received the number of showings they should've simply because of incorrect or incomplete information on the listing. To the left is an image of two examples out of hundreds I've come across where the information was incorrect. Whenever I find incorrect data, if I have the time, I try to let the listing agent know so that they're aware and have an opportunity to correct it. Surprisingly, some never do!

The validity of MLS data is something we must rely on daily in our work. Please proofread your listings!

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Posted by South Florida Real Estate • Leanne Paynter on 09/06/2006 10:02 AM

Comments (9)

mls, listings, professionalism

9 Comments on Do You Proofread Your Listings?

SEP

2006

Yes, and from the lender's persepective there is a potential that an incorrect listing could at the very least add an extra stip to the loan ... that would be a letter of explanation from the listing agent as to why the listing was different from the contract. It's not normal but if there were other issues with the program and the loan was pulled for a QC review this could become an issue and delay the closing until the condition (stip) is met.

I think proofreading is huge, especially on anything that is public like newspaper ads, and MLS listings (Realtors). It just adds validity and professionalism.

My pet peeve is lazy agents. I hate trying to figure out a home that has no room sizes or leaves out tax figures, lot size, etc. It's part of the job to take these measurements and do the research to find out the rest.

SEP

2006

The REO listings are the worst. No pictures and bad spelling--constantly!

Jennifer, I could sort of understand the lack of photos issue with REO listings (though there really is no excuse for not having at least one exterior photo) but why all the bad spelling? Are they mostly listed by the same agent or company?

OCT

2006

The lazy and careless agents really cost themselves and their clients. Many times when out on a showing I will notice another property in the area for sale, that did not turn up in my search. I would have at least considered showing this home if I had known in advance that is was available.

Later when checking the address I discover the reason. In most cases the incorrect MLS area or sub-area has been entered in the listing. I now do multiple searches using sub-division, zip codes and the good ol' "search by map"!

Dennis
dennis.anderson@century21.com

DEC

2006

Now, see... here is a perfect example of why we should proofread our listings:

...check out the price ($3/year - for rent) for a 5 BR / 4 BA home!

WHAT A BARGAIN!!! Hey... maybe someone will rent it for $3/year and use it for storage space!

Investment properties often are missing the necessary income and expense info. Often when I've called the listing agent, they have no clue why that info is so important. Afterall, the comps are what they are! The handful of agents that don't understand my request for the figures evidently don't realize that investment property purchases are treated like purchasing a business. It's all in the numbers, and their accuracy is very important!

DEC

2006

Bonnie, that just goes to show... investment property sellers need to be selective about who they choose as their listing agent... unless, of course, the seller has something to hide.

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