Reliable market data has long been a cornerstone within the MLS world. Without data integrity our whole value proposition kinda falls apart. Afterall, how can our members provide a professional home-buying experience, if they aren't armed with accurate information?
With this in mind, we recently reviewed our rules, regulations and guidelines through a slightly different lens. We asked ourselves: How can we enable and educate our members in a way that helps increase the integrity of our listing data? The answer was simple: make the rules easier to remember, and provide educational information before taking disciplinary action. The updates outlined in this article are a step in that direction.
New Rules for Input and Display
There are now six simple rules that cover listing input and display. The two most notable rule changes to this section pertain to the number of days members have to enter a listing, and the number of days members have to make updates or status changes. Below is an abbreviated version of the rules:
- All listings must be entered into the MLS within five (5) business days.
- All updates and status changes must be entered into the MLS within three (3) business days.
- All information provided to the MLS must be accurate and/or verifiable.
- Sharing or knowingly providing unauthorized access to MARIS membership software or data contained within the MARIS systems is prohibited.
- Placing personal promotion, company promotion, showing instructions, websites or other commercial information within the listing is prohibited.
- Failure to make corrections within three (3) business days after proper notification of a violation of MLS rules or guidelines, will result in a fine.
Prior to the revision, we had some listing changes with shorter or longer deadlines. Our intent was to make it simple and easy to remember. We’d like to encourage you to review the rules in their entirety via section 10C of MARIS Rules and Regulations.
New Escalation Process
We’ve decided to go against the industry norm and assume the best of our fantastic members. So, we are taking the approach of informing and educating our members before applying fines.
The new five step escalation process pertains to all identified and/or reported MLS rule violations within a two-year period. Below is a summary of the five step process:
- Educational information provided
- Warning notice provided
- Appropriate, reasonable fine
- Suspension of MLS rights
- Termination of MLS rights
We’d like to encourage you to review the full escalation process via Section 10 B of MARIS Rules and Regulations.
New Recorded Agent Guideline
Due to continued, and escalating member requests to alter listing attribution, MARIS has added a new guideline pertaining to the recorded agent. Please review MARIS guidelines via the rules and regulations page.
Guideline: Buyer Broker may assign any representative desired on the buy side of the MLS recorded representation. Listing Broker may assign any representative desired on the sell side of the MLS recorded representation. This may happen at any time during the listing period and/or up to 90 days after the closing status change.
Note: MARIS made inquiries to IDFPR and MREC prior to implementing this guideline.