Admin

Trouble in our MLS

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Blanchard and Calhoun

 I'm sure everyone has agents who don't follow the rules of the local MLS. Does it seem to be getting worse? I know in our Augusta/N Augusta market we are seeing more violations. We have several agents listing property then waiting 10 to 14 days to put in the system.( Rules give 48 hours) Every violator has a reasonable excuse, and we all know they are trying to sell the property before they put in the MLS. This is just one example of many that happens.

 We have fines for repeat offenders. The fines are very low. $25-$50.

 Are you seeing agents bending the rules of your MLS?

 Does your MLS fine or suspend their access to the system( suspension would include lock-box access in our area)

Anthon Pang
iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage - Toronto, ON
Broker

Our board introduced a Data Integrity Service.  It's a non-confrontational way of reporting violations without involving the professional standards committee.  However, administrative fines start at $50, if I'm not mistaken.

Examples include:

  • not identifying the seller(s)
  • photo embellishments (such as holiday borders)
  • incorrect district and/or street name (which can make CMAs unreliable)
  • duplicate listings

Other problems I've encountered are:

  • posting an MLS sign ("Sold") without entering the listing into the system -- the city eventually removed it
  • MLS sign that doesn't use the agent's registered trade name -- I reported this to his broker-of-record
  • using a photo from the MLS photo library (archive) that isn't current -- the owner came over to my Open House and told me about this (in addition to inaccuracies in the lot size and property description); not my problem, but I advised the owner to bug his listing agent
Jul 14, 2007 09:16 AM
Todd Murphy
Fitts Agency - Tuscaloosa, AL

I don't seem to see too many problems on our MLS.  Some people wait a few days to put pictures on the MLS though.

Jul 14, 2007 01:31 PM
Rosemary Brooks
BMC Real Estate - 209-910-3706 - Stockton, CA
The Mother & Daughter Realty Team
Only thing I have noticed that kind of annoy me is that they don't put even 1 photo on the MLS.  That is not a good way to sell the property.  Most people look to see how the property looks, no photo they usually do not want to even go see it.
Jul 15, 2007 07:58 PM