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Data Integrity (DI) is excited to report notable improvements in reducing reported violations in 2023!  We continue our primary focus on driving system changes that avoid the potential for a data element to be added to a listing that is not in compliance with an existing rule. Let’s delve into three significant architected changes and the impacts of reported violations from the previous year.

#1 Reported Violation: Self-Reported Errors

Self-reported errors continue to trend significantly lower (41% reduction YOY!) because of the enhancement that allows the listing/co-listing agent to self-edit their listings. Having this seven-day window to edit a listing even after closing has made a huge impact on decreasing documented Self-Reported Errors.

#3 Reported Violation: Public Remarks – Inappropriate Use of Field

Public Remarks field violations decreased by 60% compared to last year. DI released additional text constraints to the public remarks, reminding agents of prohibited content. A warning pop-up was implemented when open house/showing terms were entered, and DI blocked the inclusion of URLs and email addresses in the remarks field.

#14 Reported Violation: No Exterior Photo of Front of Dwelling

Typically featured in the Top 10 Violations list, No Exterior Photo of Front of Dwelling failed to secure a spot this year. This penalty violation is ranked at number 14, with 158 reports. This success is attributed to DI’s proactive approach of sending courtesy emails to Listing Agents for listings without photos, thus preventing this common violation.

In addition, the ARMLS Preferred Photographer Program contributes to addressing listings without photos by providing professional services for media management in Flexmls.

Top 10 listing violations for 2023 (including self-reported)

Rank Violation Type 2023 Totals 2022 Totals
1 Self-Reported Non-Penalty 3827 6500
2 Assessor’s Number Incorrect Non-Penalty 1064 1128
3 Public Remarks – Inappropriate Use of Field Penalty 1023 2608
4 Text or Watermarks on Photos/Media Penalty 899 622
5 Address Incorrect Non-Penalty 765 841
6 Sold Price Incorrect Penalty 431 624
7 Closing Information Non-Penalty 344 255
8 Special Listing Conditions Non-Penalty 339 441
9 Dwelling Type Non-Penalty 288 303
10 Selling Agent Incorrect Penalty 281 258

 

Self-reported violations for 2023

Rank Self-Reported Top 5 Errors 2023 Totals 2022 Totals
1 Closed to Pending/UCB/CCBS Status 775 2186
2 Selling Agent or Co-Selling Agent 763 1334
3 Closing Info (NOT sold price) 561 850
4 Removal of Photos 338 371
5 Sold Price 328 537

As a reminder, self-reported errors are issues where a subscriber has reached out to Data Integrity for a correction. Oftentimes, these corrections can be made without staff assistance.

In 2024, ARMLS will continue the fine donation program and your first non-lockbox key penalty violation fine of the year will still be waived. Looking to learn more? Take the online ARMLS Rules course.

We recognize that subscribers value the importance of having accurate and complete data in the MLS system.  The Data Integrity Team will continue to work on finding ways to systematically keep Flexmls from allowing inaccurate data to be added that conflicts with ARMLS rules.