Every now and then an agent makes a mistake in the MLS.😬

We are here to help you be proactive and educate your agents in advance of those potential errors!

Top 10 Most Common CBOR MLS Errors:

Keep in mind that listings in the MLS belong to the Broker and that data and how it is input is ultimately YOUR responsibility:

GPS in Directions
- CBOR MLS maintains policy prohibiting the use of terms like "GPS recognizable" "Google Maps" or "Online Directions", etc. as the sole verbiage in the MLS Directions field.
  
  Agents who fail to enter full Directions on their listings may face a $200.00 fine if not corrected within 24 hours of MLS reporting.
Listing Sign in Photo
- CBOR MLS maintains strict Branding policies that disallow displays of Listing Brokerage Signs, logos, or names INSIDE the MLS database.
  
  The most common offense we see is a listing brokerage sign included in an MLS listing photo. These must be removed or blurred within 24 hours of MLS reporting to avoid a $200 fine.
Owners Legal Name
- CBOR maintains MLS policy that requires Subscribers disclose the Full Legal Name(s) of the Owner(s) of the listed property in the MLS.
  
  Failure to indicate the actual Owners Legal Name by using phrases like "see public record" or "owners legal name" will result in a $200.00 assessment if not corrected within 24 hours of MLS reporting.
Branding in Remarks/Virtual Tours
- Much like the listing brokerage sign included in MLS photos, Subscribers of CBOR MLS are prohibited from referencing themselves in Public Remarks and/or within Virtual Tours added into MLS Listings which are labeled as "unbranded".
  
  Most commonly, we see Listing agents place their cell #, agent website URL, and/or include phrases like "call me today to schedule a showing". These violations would result in a $200.00 fine if not corrected within 24 hours of MLS reporting.
"Attached/Detached" MLS Field
- CBOR's database features a Residential Property Type field to designate whether a listed property shares a common wall with another residence or not (think free-standing home vs. attached housing like townhomes).
  
  This field is often miscoded by agents who think it relates to attached or detached garages!
Late Closed Entry
- CBOR MLS requires all MLS listings be entered as "closed" status in the MLS within 5 Business Days of the listing's Closing Date.
  
  CBOR issues reminders to all Subscribers IF they have entered the "Anticipated Close Date" field via email 3 days after that date has passed if the listing is still in pended status.
  
  CBOR relies upon the timely entry of closed listings to produce accurate statistics. If listings are closed out late, it can greatly affect the proper distribution of those monthly stats.
  
  Failure to enter a listing as "closed" in the CBOR MLS database within 5 days of its closing date results in a $200.00 fine.
Incorrect CPS Schools
- Oftentimes, a Listing Agent takes the Seller's word for which Columbia Public Schools attendance areas relate to the listing when it goes on the market.
  
  Keep in mind that Sellers may be misinformed, as attendance areas shift frequently in Columbia.
  
  ALWAYS verify CPS schools online before assuming a Seller is correct in what they tell you regarding schools.
  
  Many Buyers base their search criteria upon school boundaries and it's very frustrating to find out a listing did not meet that parameter upon further verification.
Incorrect Mapping
- For the most part, CBOR's FlexMLS system is spot on when it attempts to map the listing upon Listing Entry.
  
  However, especially with New Construction and Vacant Land, Listing Agents should be especially careful to verify their listing has mapped correctly prior to adding the listing.
  
  Incorrect mapping has a serious trickle effect and should always be verified.
Incorrect Address Entry
- Much like incorrect schools, sadly, a listing agent cannot take a Sellers word for what the property address actually is.
  
  ALWAYS verify the listing address with the County Assessor and on USPS Address verification websites to ensure the FULL address is indicated.
  
  For example, agents may leave off a Street suffix like "Blvd" or "Ave" or may omit a Street Direction like "E" or "W" within the MLS listing address.
Incorrect Primary Style
- Several agents miscode listings as the incorrect Primary Style in the MLS. For example, they may select "Split Foyer" when in fact the listing was truly a "Split Level".

MLS Errors are traditionally reported anonymously by members of CBOR, utilizing the MLS Error Reporting mechanism.

Additionally, all CBOR MLS Policies & Fines can be found within the FlexMLS Intranet (under Governing Documents) or the CBOR Member Portal (under Resources)

Both of these topics will be covered in a future Broker Tools email 😉