MLS Fines
As of January 1, 2006, the MLS began issuing warnings for violations of MLS Rules & Regulations and Policies. Actual fines will be assessed beginning April 1. Between January 1 and press time, MLS had issued 344 warnings which, if fines were being charged, would total over $17,000! Over 50 percent of the violations are due to map top/side and page errors. Incorrect parcel numbers and tax districts are also common violations.
The list of fines for violations was included as a special insert in the January issue of In Contract magazine and is available online at ColumbusRealtors.com.
Changing residential MLS book back to full inventory -- but every 2 weeks
In order to cut costs, books had previously been changed to print one week with single family homes/photos and just an index of condo and fee simple properties and the following week with condo and fee simple properties/photos and just an index of single family properties. However, due to input by remaining subscribers, the MLS will go back to printing the full book (single family, condo and fee simple properties all in one book) ? but printing it every two weeks instead of weekly. After the change, book prices will return to approximately $38. Subscriptions remain just over 150.
Internet: Y/N is now a Required Field
Internet Y/N is a new required field that has been added to Tempo. The Internet Y/N field must be filled in before a listing can be saved for both new and previously existing listings. This new field allows the agent to exclude a listing from all Internet feeds (broker sites, Realtor.com, etc) on an individual, per-listing basis. If Internet Y/N "no" is selected, the listing will not be sent to external websites and download sites for any 3rd party software or IDX websites. For maximum exposure, Internet Y/N "yes" will normally be chosen for most listings unless there is a specific reason to exclude the listing from Internet feeds.
Changes to MLS Policies
Dual or Variable Rate Commission - Due to recent system changes, the practice of identifying non-reported dual or variable rate commission has changed from placing an asterisk (*) in the subagency fee field to a required Y/N answer instead. The appropriate MLS policy was changed accordingly. FYI - Fine for violation is $100.
Reporting IN CONTRACTS - As reporting an IN CONTRACT within 24 hours can be difficult on weekends and holidays, the appropriate MLS policy was changed to read (underscore represents addition):
An accepted purchase contract by the seller constitutes the need to report the property In Contract, contingent on financing or inspection or contingent escape to MLS within 24 hours except weekends and legal holidays whereby the status is to be entered the following business day.
FYI - The fine for violation is $100. Members will be notified and allowed 24 hours to correct the identified violation before a fine is assessed. There shall be only one warning per licensee.
Wolfnet is now sole vendor for display of MLS listings on member web sites
As of the first of the year, Wolfnet is now the only approved vendor for CBR members wishing to display the Central Ohio MLS database on their web site.
The benefit to having one web site vendor is that there will be only one link provided to the majority of member sites and the data should be uniform. There will no longer be a plethora of vendors interpreting and designing databases based on their own limitations in skills and understanding of the online listing display guidelines.
Members can still have your own vendor design your web site to your own personal taste. But the way you display MLS listing information will be uniform Wolfnet.
By taking these measures we will be able to better control who has access to your data and identify illegal use. This also ensures that MLS information cannot be collected, repackaged, and sold back to you by an unknown, unregulated third party vendor.
Members with other vendors have until December 31, 2006 to change. For information, contact Wolfnet directly at 1-866- WOLFNET (965-3638).
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