2019 is here, which means it’s time for our annual list of the top 10 most common rules violations of 2018! Last year, the Data Integrity department addressed a total of 9,889 violations. Here’s the list of the top violations of 2018.
Rank | Violation | Type | Totals |
1 | Assessor’s Number Incorrect | Non-Penalty | 1331 |
2 | Sold Price Incorrect | Penalty | 1099 |
3 | Address Incorrect | Non-Penalty | 1042 |
4 | Contact Information on Media | Penalty | 877 |
5 | Contact Info in a Public Field | Penalty | 700 |
6 | Open House or Showing Information | Penalty | 564 |
7 | No Exterior Photo of Front of Dwelling | Penalty | 404 |
8 | Special Listing Conditions | Non-Penalty | 347 |
9 | Closing Info Field is Incorrect | Non-Penalty | 315 |
In addition to violations, we also count up the number of times an agent has reported an error on their own listing. When an agent self reports, we update the listing without issuing any penalties or fines.
Violation | Type | Totals | |
Self Reported | Non-Penalty | 5282 |
You’ll notice that some of these violations incur a penalty, and some don’t. The Online Rules Course breaks down the difference between penalty vs. non penalty violations and how you can avoid both. Also, don’t be afraid to tell on yourself! By reporting your own violations to the Data Integrity department, you can save yourself a violation and/or penalty.
Anonymous
How long after closing should sellers signs come down ? Have someone who gave me an address on a property that COE was 5-5-19 and sign is still up as of today, 5-15-19. What is acceptable ?
Megan M
Thank you for the question – ARMLS does not have a rule for how long the sign can stay up after closing. We suggest reaching out to the listing brokerage.
Anonymous
As per the ADRE, it is against the Commissioner’s rules to have a sign on a property that you don’t have listed. Under these circumstances, the sign should be taken down on the close of escrow date as the home is no longer listed.
Anonymous
I notice an agent using DND2 AND SEM-PRIVATE REMARKS TO ADVERTISE USING A SPECIFIC TITLE COMPANY AND OFFERING A 50% DISCOUNT. iS THIS ALLOWABLE? I COULDN’T FINE THE RULE.
Megan M
Great question! It would only be a violation if this info was included in the Public Remarks, or if the listing agent demanded that a specific title company is used.
Anonymous
What are the fines for #7 and #8? I also could not find the disdcription of #7 in the list of fines…would you be more specific as to what you mean with #7?
Megan M
Thanks for your question! #7 pertains to Inappropriate language in the public remarks – Advertising an open house or providing showing instructions in the public remarks is a violation, the penalty amount can be found on ARMLS.com under the rules tab, under penalty policy. https://armls.com/docs/armls-penalty-policy.pdf Penalty # 11.5 & 11.6
#8 Failure to submit a photo within allowed period is penalty # 8.24 https://armls.com/docs/armls-penalty-policy.pdf
Anonymous
How long is a coming soon sign allowed. Asking because I see some up for weeks but not delayed status? Is it just a pocket listing or an exclusive agency listing?
Megan M
Thanks for the question! Per ARMLS rules, a property can be in delayed status for up to 14 in the MLS – as far as signage goes – ARMLS does not regulate the amount of time a sign can be on a property. To find out if it’s an exclusive or pocket listing, you’d have to reach out to that listing agent. I hope that helps.
Anonymous
If a “sold” rider goes on before recording, is it a violation?
Nick
Great question! Rule 11.3 says, “Prior to closing, only the ‘Sold’ sign of the Listing Participant may be placed on the property, unless the Listing Participant authorizes the Cooperating Participant to post such a sign.”
Anonymous
what is the new NAR rule regarding coming soon or exclusive listings as relates to MLS?
Megan M
Thank you for the question! It sounds like you are referring to the Clear Cooperation Policy. We’ve created an entire page on our website dedicated to this topic. The Clear Cooperation Page on ARMLS.com should address and answer any questions you may have. Please reach out to us if you have further questions!
Anonymous
What actions are taken via ARMLS when an agent is listing under an old brokerage and now has an expired license yet still conducting business?
James Marcus
Hi, we would need to know more information to answer that. Please contact DI@ARMLS.com for more details.