The following statement is one I’ve had to say to quite a few members—the Residential Measurement Standard (RMS) is not BS. 

Our new measurement standard is here to stay and although it is not perfect, it is not the output from the south-end of a northbound bull. However, what WAS BS was RECA’s initial approach and that we were not empowered to enforce the standards in the name of database integrity.

We are very pleased that their tune has changed, and not only do they see the value of real estate boards having a role in enforcement, they view it as a form of self-regulation.

For those of you who have taken the time to understand the principles and the requirements of RMS, your world will not change much with the announcement last week that we will recommence our enforcement on the size of the property. We’re happy with this latest advancement, as many members were becoming very concerned about the noticeable decline in the quality of measurement data since we pulled back on enforcement nearly a year ago. 

Professionals who appreciate the value of our database and the importance of standards can now breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to our enforcement work raising the measurement bar.

One of the key elements of our new enforcement approach is to utilize our technology more. This will enable exclusions for a variety, but limited, number of reasons and eliminate any potential for members to interpret our database rules. Your MLS^® System is not a marketing tool you can massage to keep your clients happy. It is a database that must be beyond reproach to be the core of your service offering and ours.

A low-tech solution that you need to adopt is to document your measurements. In fact, it’s common sense to take the time to file your diagram or a copy of the measurement company report so you can back up the size you use on the MLS^® System. You will see that starting in the fall we are encouraging you to post that same document right in your listing. 

Through this process, if you are challenged by a client or potential client who is convinced their home is a certain size, introduce them to RECA. RECA has provided some excellent background on their site and I urge you to make use of it. Get this conversation off the table as soon as you can by including a .pdf of this page in your pre-listing kit, meeting confirmation text or email.

Ideally, we would have covered this ground before the RMS was launched, but we won’t go there…I’d hate to once again step in that BS.