We know the importance of having a reliable, accurate and user-friendly MLS^® System that supports the needs of our members and the clients they serve. The desire for high-quality listing data is evident by the number of member-reported issues that Member Practice receives related to wrong information on listings. Inputting incorrect information on listings can result in violations of CREB^® Rule Part I 4.03 - Information Integrity.

This can create a situation where a member might move through the enforcement escalation process quite rapidly for input errors that are vastly different from their previous input errors. For example, inputting the wrong square footage in the first listing, then identifying a condo as bare land instead of conventional on another listing would be considered a second violation of incorrect information and a $250 fine. As you can imagine, a third and fourth input error, unrelated to the first two, could lead to a $500 fine and disciplinary hearing, respectively. This is not optimal for our members receiving the fine or our Member Practice team issuing the fines.

CREB^® has been working to find the right balance that meets the need for an accurate MLS^® System and accounts for typing or selection errors by members inputting the listing and mistakes, which are usually accidents. 

We’re very excited that the Board of Directors has recently approved an amendment to the CREB^® Rules, Part I 4.03, to categorize input errors better, effectively spreading them out. Today, the new version of CREB^® Rules has been posted on CREB^®Link and Part I 4.03, which used to be one category on its own, will include the following categories:

• Incorrect measurement information
• Incorrect property location information
• Incorrect lot information
• Incorrect building information- structural
• Incorrect building information- architectural
• Incorrect building information- miscellaneous
• Incorrect feature information
• Incorrect condo information
• Incorrect unit information
• Incorrect or incomplete listing information
• Incorrect multi-family information
• Incorrect commercial information
• Incorrect land information
• Incorrect pricing information

By grouping similar input errors, we can uphold data integrity and prevent members from reaching a penalty too rapidly, reducing the risk of a fine.

To acknowledge that best practices can take time to develop and to realize the vision that initiated this change- to emphasize professionalism instead of perfectionism- all members will re-start at an Educational Advisory level if they breach CREB^® Rule Part I 4.03.

We appreciate all our members, brokers, their support staff, and assistants who have implemented processes to avoid listing input errors or omissions. We look forward to continuing to support the CREB^® community in maintaining high-quality data by developing additional resources to support best practices and alignment with the CREB^® Rules.