There have been an increase of the number of listing lead scams reported recently. Please be vigilant in vetting internet leads. Always verify the authenticity of the seller before entering a listing on the MLS. Use extra caution with out-of-state leads from internet web sites. Make sure the person signing the listing agreement is actually the owner of the property.

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02/09/2024

You can now download the latest revision of the MLS Policy Violation Manual.  The manual has been updated for changes effective October 1, 2023.

Notable Changes:

1. Change to Policy 1.01.04 – Incorrect Sub-Type                                                                          
   • Removed reference to Other Residential WITH Deeded Land.
2. Change to Policy 1.02.02 – Listing Not Submitted to MLS                                                                          
   • “If MLS Entry Date is more than 48 hours after Commencing Date, either the Brokerage Exclusive Waiver form or the MLS listing agreement with Brokerage Exclusive section must be completed. The completed form must be available upon request.”
3. Change to SECTION 4.01 – Non-Appeal Instructions
   • “For any data maintenance fee or fine assessed and not paid within 14 days after the invoice is sent out, the agent will be suspended. Fees can be paid through the member portal via telecheck, debit or credit card.”

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10/30/2023

The MLS sub-type of Other Residential WITH Deeded Land will be removed on Wednesday, September 27. All of these listings in all statuses will be changed to Single Family. This does not affect mobile homes without deeded land.

Mobile homes in a park or without land must still be entered as Other Residential without Deeded Land. All new mobile homes WITH deeded land should be entered as Single Family in the future.

• The MLS sub-type of Other Residential WITH Deeded Land has been removed
• All of these listings in all statuses were changed to Single Family.
• This does not affect mobile homes WITHOUT deeded land.
• Mobile homes in a park or without land must still be entered as Other Residential without Deeded Land. 
• All new mobile homes WITH deeded land should be entered as Single Family in the future.
• The Manufactured yes/no field is still required entry for all mobile homes.

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09/22/2023

Wording from the ‘Brokerage Exclusive Waiver’ form has been added to the MLS ‘Exclusive Right to Sell (ERS) Listing Contract.’  This includes changes to brokerage exclusive workflow (for purposes of Clear Cooperation).

Notable changes to the Contract and Policy Requirements:

• Brokerages using the MLS ‘Exclusive Right to Sell (ERS) Listing Contract’ with the new wording will not be required to submit the ‘Brokerage Exclusive Waiver’ form.
• Brokerages using their own listing contracts that do not mirror that of the MLS, will be required to complete the ‘Brokerage Exclusive Waiver’ form.
• Neither form will be required for submission to the MLS unless specifically requested by the MLS.
• In addition to the wording from the Brokerage Exclusive Waiver form, spaces for the agents’ phone numbers will be added to the bottom of the listing contract.

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09/07/2023

You can now download the latest revision of the MLS Policy Violation Manual.  The manual has been updated for changes effective December 1, 2022.

Changes include the following:

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12/02/2022

MLS policy 1.02.08 has been modified. The previous policy allowed only Res Rental and Business Opportunity listings to be entered simultaneously in other Property types for single parcel. The policy has been modified to expand the multiple entry ability to better serve the seller and buyer.

Members should use caution when entering listings in multiple property types. If listings are entered incorrectly, fines apply to each listing. More listings equals more potential for errors and fines. Also, members must be knowledgeable about each type of property in order to properly and professionally represent their client.

Updated Policy as of December 1, 2022:

1.02.08 – Multiple Entry of the Same Property Fine with Warning
Warning, $100, $200, $500
Each listing entered with a single parcel number in the MLS may be submitted in multiple property types as long as the following conditions are met. However, separate parcels with options to sell as a package or individually and property for sale or for lease may each be entered separately.
• All must have the same list price .
• All must have the same data wherever possible
• Must include all MLS numbers in A2A remarks
• Must close all MLS numbers simultaneously with same sold price
• The Alternate Use field must be used to select all property types where the listing also appears
Business Opportunity and Res Rental are excluded from the “same price” requirement.

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You can now download the latest revision of the MLS Policy Violation Manual.  The manual has been updated for changes effective October 1, 2022.

Changes include the following:

SECTION 5

DATA MAINTENANCE FEE OR FINE WAIVER PROCESS WITH EDUCATION CLASS

SECTION 5.01 – Real Estate Data Accuracy Class Requirements: Data Maintenance Fee or Fine is due and payable within five (5) days of receipt of the policy violation notice. (Added September 2022)

Under the following guidelines, REALTORS® may choose to attend the Real Estate Data Accuracy Class up to two (2) times in a calendar year (Jan. – Dec.) for violation of two different policies and receive up to $100 in waivers each time.  (Amended September 2022)

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10/03/2022

The following change has been made to the MLS Policy Violation Manual. This change will be effective October 1, 2022. Changes are in bold red below.

SECTION 5
DATA MAINTENANCE FEE OR FINE WAIVER PROCESS WITH EDUCATION CLASS
SECTION 5.01 – Real Estate Data Accuracy Class Requirements:

Data Maintenance Fee or Fine is due and payable within five (5) days receipt of policy violation notice.

Under the following guidelines REALTORS® may choose to attend the Real Estate Data Accuracy Class up
to two (2) six (6) times in a calendar year (Jan. – Dec.) for violation of two different policies and receive
up to $100 in waivers each time.

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09/28/2022

A purchase agreement between a buyer and a seller does not negate a member’s obligations to follow the MLS’ Rules and Regulations, which is an independent contract existing between the member listing broker and the MLS.

If a listing is in Coming Soon status and the seller accepts a curb offer in which the buyer asks to see the property, you must ‘End Coming Soon’ before showing the property or you are in violation of MLS Policy 1.05.04 – Showing a Listing During a No Showings Allowed Period.

Read letter from Columbus REALTORS® legal counsel.

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07/05/2022

COCIE Rules and Regulations have been modified to expand the number of eligible firms for COCIE Governing Board appointment. Section 3.1.1b of the Rules now allows candidates to be selected from the ten largest firms. Firm size is determined by number of active COCIE members. Previously, eligibility was limited to the top five firms. The appointments for the large firms’ open seats are expected to be made at the July COCIE Governing Board meeting.

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06/16/2022