Using your knowledge of the rules, can you spot the MLS violations in the questions below? You can review the Rules & Inappropriate Language Policy before you start. The MLS rules haven’t changed but you’ll want to ensure you know them as we have a new Penalty Policy. If you like this quiz, take another here.
Is there a violation here?
Signs are allowed in photos, just as long as all contact information, company information and branding are not viewable.
Is there a violation here?
This is a violation as depicted per 8.23: Media and description fields may not be used to advertise or promote an agent, broker or a real estate brokerage, or any other individual or entity including photography companies.
Is there a violation here?
The name of the photo is displayed publicly, in portals for example, so it must not contain contact information, company information or branding.
Is there a violation here?
Company information can allow a client to bypass their agent, which is against rule 8.23. Under the Penalty Policy, this would be a $200 fine. 8.23. PHOTOGRAPHS, RENDERINGS, FLOOR PLANS, FILES, VIDEO, MEDIA. "...Media cannot direct the user in any way to contact information or other information about a real estate agent or broker or any other individual or entity with a connection to the business of real estate. Media may not be used to advertise or promote an agent, broker or a real estate brokerage or any other individual or entity..."
Is there a violation here?
Along with images of the property, listings can include photos of surrounding attractions and amenities as long as they comply with ARMLS guidelines. 8.23. PHOTOGRAPHS, RENDERINGS, FLOOR PLANS, FILES, VIDEO, MEDIA The ARMLS Compilation may have the capacity to store and display one or more photographs, floor plans, electronic files in various public and proprietary formats, virtual tours, renderings, or other Media for a listed property.
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Casey Moore
Does anyone else find it humorous that the ARMLS listing has the directions to front door, where odds are there is a big sign in the yard with the company and listing agents contact information prominently displayed. Anyone heard of the "buyer broker agreement"
Casey Moore
Does anyone else find it humorous that the ARMLS listing has the directions to front door, where odds are there is a big sign in the yard with the company and listing agents contact information prominently displayed. Anyone heard of the "buyer broker agreement"
ARMLS
@CaseyMoore – Good morning. Our new policy isn't to generate more profits, ask any of our board members, CEO, etc. The goal is to reduce data errors and over time to collect less from fines.
We don't have profit share with syndicators. We're curious to know the source of your claims because it's totally untrue. We're not sure how we got on the wrong foot with you but we would be happy to explain everything. There is a small fee to maintain syndication feeds. It's not volume based, it's the same fee even if 0 listings are sent. It's an offset measure, not a profit center.
Casey Moore
I am amused that ARMLS is unaware of the profit models most if not all web sites use to drive traffic and revenue. I have asked to sit in board meetings, and have asked for clarification from the CEO, both were refused.
It seems so simple… share all the affiliate/3rd party site agreements with all your Realtor members. A $500 fine for a typo has no justification. What is the true cost of the sending an error message to correct the error? If it is $500, then ARMLS is grossly overpaying their staff to the detriment of their subscriber base.
I was told much of the fines/penalties are donated to charity, if the old system for fines/penalties had a surplus after the true cost of correction, how in the world is the new system not for profit? Penalties are exponentially higher, but the old system had surpluses that were donated to charity, how is the new math for our benefit?
Creating and maintaining such a closed structure from is subscriber/members, and refusal to share the agreements all the while pontificating about how everything is for the benefit of its subscriber base is a little hard to believe.
We all know to be in business we must be member/subscribers, and ARMLS is treating its members knowing full well there is nowhere else we can go to successfully run a real estate business in the valley.
ARMLS
Casey Moore – We are aware of those business models but we do not profit share and/or have a model for profit sharing with third party syndicators. It simply doesn't work that way. The syndication topic and penalty policy topic are unrelated to each other but if you email Matt@ARMLS.com, he won't turn down having a discussion on both.
Casey Moore
“The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or to spend time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it”.
― D.L. Moody
publicize the straight stick…
David Fuller
Agreed! Or simply type in the address and there it is on Zillow with a direct line to the listing agent and three other agents that paid to be there.
John Wake
Brilliant way to educate on something as boring as "rules"! Well done!
Alexandra Guerova
Am I understanding this correctly? The sign can only say "For Sale" and not any information on listing agent or listing broker's firm?
ARMLS
As far as listing photos are concerned, yes. Rule 8.23:…Media cannot direct the user in any way to contact information or other information about a real estate agent or broker or any other individual or entity with a connection to the business of real estate. Media may not be used to advertise or promote an agent, broker or a real estate brokerage or any other individual or entity…"
ARMLS
As far as listing photos are concerned, yes. Rule 8.23:…Media cannot direct the user in any way to contact information or other information about a real estate agent or broker or any other individual or entity with a connection to the business of real estate. Media may not be used to advertise or promote an agent, broker or a real estate brokerage or any other individual or entity…"
Scott Smith
ARMLS is going to do its self in! Other Media has taken over. the seller says sell I don't need a Realtor I need Zillow "buyer" you need an extra expense!
ARMLS
Non-MLS sales, (removing new construction) account for less than 8% of all sales in our area. Non-MLS sales are declining, not increasing (source: ARMLS & The Information Market). Use of a REALTOR® has never been higher since the bubble years based on the data in our area.
Keri Stoffel
Great way to reinforce the rules! I learned something so thanks!
Victoria Kendall
Very nice. I knew my MLS photo rules 😀
Dian Bentinck
More Quizzes!
ARMLS
Hey Dian, have you done this one: http://www.armlsblog.com/rules-week-quiz/.