CRMLS Director News

David Englin
MRMLS Director
davide@remaxallstars.net

Here we are in March.  Almost a quarter of the year complete.  Day light is longer now; it makes it easier to help clients look at homes.  So we get to work more hours.

Not a lot of changes going on at CRMLS at the moment.  So this month let’s talk a little about using the system.

One of the most common violations is status updates.  Every one should know that you have 48 hours to change a property status.  When your seller signs that purchase contract you have 48 hours to change the status to Back up or Pending.  Regardless of what type of sale, standard, short pay, or REO they are all the same regarding the rule.  Because this has been abused so many Agents have to call the listing agent to see if their seller has signed a contract yet.  This is more prevalent with short sales, but it is important information for buyer’s agent.  We all have to work together to keep everything up to date.

Another violation that is more common is photos.  Rule 11.5 says that a photo of the structure has to be in the MLS with in 5 days.  The primary picture does not have to be of the structure, but at least one picture that shows the exterior does.  One gripe we hear a lot is “why don’t agents put in more pictures?”  Good question.  You know you are allowed 35 pictures.  When you make comments in the property description that there is a sparkling pool, put in a picture.  If there is custom kitchen tile counters, put in a picture.  In other words, if it is worth describing in the description, follow it up with a picture.  Also, no pictures advertising your company, signs, web sites or the like are allowed.  Not only will agents appreciate this but so will appraisers and most of all our buyers.  Our buyers complain the most about lack of pictures.  So do your seller a favor and market their property.

What used to be a problem but has improved is putting in private or security sensitive information in the public property description section.  Remember the property description is published to the public.  So we don’t talk about security codes, day sleepers, children at home, or occupant with physical disability.  In most cases now, the system will find it and remove the incorrect wording, but proof read and make sure you are not in violation.

The system provides many options to describe your property when you are inputting the listing.  Use as many choices as you can.  All these fields are searchable and the more options you put in the greater chance a buyer’s agent is going to find your listing.  Important things like downstairs bedrooms, patio covers, RV parking or access (this is a big one) and many others.

These have been just a few items to make the MLS work better for every one.  Take a few minutes and read the MLS rules.  You can find them on the TIGAR website or on CRMLS home page.  Free classes on how to use the MATRIX system are given every month at the Association, take advantage of it.

Logging off

David Englin

TIGAR CRMLS Director

davide@remaxallstars.net