LSTAR e-Compliance: Introduction to New Policies & Year End Snapshot

Showings and Appointments

  1. Appointment Scheduling:
    • The Listing Brokerage must arrange and confirm showings promptly.
    • If the requested time and date are unavailable, the Listing Brokerage will continue to coordinate a suitable time for all parties if requested.
  2. Missed Appointments:
    • Members who are unable to attend a scheduled showing or inspection must notify the Brokerage immediately and prior to the appointment.
    • If the Listing Brokerage cannot keep an appointment to show or inspect an MLS® Listing, they must promptly inform the Member before the scheduled time.
  3. Registrant Accompaniment:
    • Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Seller, the Listing Brokerage must ensure a Registrant accompanies any non-Registrant during the entire visit to the property and only within the agreed time frame.
  4. Appointment/Showing Remarks:
    • The Appointment/Showing Remarks field must contain all pertinent details related to showing the property. Please review and read these remarks prior to any showing to prevent a Professional Standards complaint.
  5. MLS® Compliance:
    • The Association will not accept an MLS® Listing that excludes any Member from showing the property.

Reporting a Trade: Key Guidelines

  1. Dual Marketed Listings:
    • If a property is marketed as both residential and commercial, the trade must be reported for both MLS® Listings.
  2. Reporting Deadlines:
    • Trades (whether conditional or firm) must be reported no later than 11:59 p.m. the next Business Day after the offer is accepted.
    • This obligation remains, Members are not permitted to avoid this by cancelling the MLS® Listing between receipt and acceptance of an Offer.
  3. Conditional Listings:
    • Any changes to a conditional listing must be updated on the MLS® System by 11:59 p.m. on the next Business Day.
  4. Holdover Period Sales:
    • Sales occurring during the holdover period must also be reported by 11:59 p.m. on the next Business Day.
  5. Fall-Through or Non-Firm Sales:
    • If a conditional offer does not become firm or falls through, this must be reported to the Association by 11:59 p.m. on the next Business Day.

Clear and timely reporting ensures compliance with MLS® rules and upholds professional standards.

The REALTOR® Code - Conduct Unbecoming

As a professional REALTOR®, adhering to high standards of conduct is essential for maintaining the trust and integrity of the real estate industry. It’s the cornerstone of a successful career. All Members are expected to read, educate themselves and comply with the RECO Rules, the CREA Rules, and the MLS® Rules, and all applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

A REALTOR® must avoid any conduct that is disgraceful, unprofessional, or unbecoming of the profession. Importantly, this expectation extends beyond real estate transactions and includes all areas of conduct, both personal and professional.

Stay informed, commit to ethical behavior in all aspects of your practice: CREA Realtor Code

NEW - PropTx MLS® Arbitration and Professional Standards Policies

As part of our recent partnership with PropTx, LSTAR is committed to adhering to the Arbitration and Professional Standards Policies. To support our Members in navigating these processes and understanding the associated changes, LSTAR will continue to provide comprehensive resources, guides, and educational materials. For full details, please click here.  

How to Report an Infraction on the MLS® System

  1. Provide the Necessary Information:
    • Gather the relevant details about the issue, including:
      • The MLS® number of the listing.
      • The property address.
      • A clear description of the error or concern.
  2. Send your Report:
    • Email your concern to mls [at] lstar.ca (mls[at]lstar[dot]ca). Make sure to include all the required information.

Note:

  • Reported errors are treated as anonymous.
  • LSTAR is collaborating with PropTx to enhance the reporting process for MLS® listings.

Steps to File a Professional Standards Complaint

If you wish to report a Professional Standards violation, follow these steps:

  1. Submit the Complaint in Writing:
    • Complaints cannot be anonymous and may be submitted by anyone (e.g., Member, the public, or another real estate board).
  2. Use the Professional Standards Complaint Form:
    • Access the form here.
  3. Learn about the Process:

For additional support or inquiries, please contact LSTAR directly.

Will LSTAR Continue to do Random Audits?

Yes, LSTAR will continue to conduct random audits as part of its compliance process, as outlined in the LSTAR MLS® Policies. Specifically, LSTAR audits 1 in every 20 Direct Data Entry listings and amendments to ensure compliance with the rules.

Documents requested during an audit process must be provided by 11:59 p.m. on the next Business Day. Remuneration information can be redacted, all other required paperwork must be fully submitted.

In addition to these random audits, LSTAR is enhancing its compliance measures through a partnership with PropTx. This collaboration introduces the iCheck tool, which automatically identifies daily MLS® violations and alerts LSTAR staff. The iCheck system monitors for specific infractions, including:

  • Contact information in Client Remarks
  • URL in the Brokers Remarks
  • Invalid Content in a Virtual Tour Field
  • Invalid Buyer Agent Compensation
  • No Showings in the Client Remarks Field, Extra Remarks and Brokers Remarks
  • Duplicate Listings
  • Invalid Owner Name
  • Invalid Sold Conditional/Leased Listing
  • Invalid Taxes
  • Invalid Leased Conditional Listing
  • URL in Virtual Tour Field

Through this dual approach of random audits and daily monitoring using iCheck, LSTAR aims to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of MLS® data.

What is ECR – Early Complaint Resolution Process?

The Early Complaint Resolution (ECR) Process is a protocol outlined in the PropTx MLS® Policies designed to address certain MLS® Rule breaches efficiently and effectively. It establishes a standardized approach for Association staff when requesting corrective actions.

How Does the Early Complaint Resolution Process Work?

The ECR process promotes compliance while maintaining efficiency and fairness for all Members. For more information, refer to the detailed guidelines provided in the linked document.

What are the Fast Fine Amounts?

Failure to comply with PropTx MLS® Rules may result in a Special Administrative Penalty being issued to both the Salesperson and the Brokerage. These fines range from $300 - $4000.

The Professional Standards Review Panel uses these guidelines, alongside the Early Complaint Resolution Process, to assess and address breaches of the MLS® Rules.

For detailed information on Fast Fine amounts and the MLS® Rules they apply to, please refer to Arbitration and Professional Standards Policies, Article 7– Special Administrative Penalties.

Brokerage Accountability

As outlined in the PropTx MLS® Policies, Brokerages are accountable for the actions of their registered Members. Any act or omission by a Member may also constitute a breach by the Brokerage, depending on the specific facts and circumstances of the case.

Both Member and Brokerages are subject to the Professional Standards Process of their respective Association.

Tips on Staying Compliant

The MLS® Department and Education Department at LSTAR collaborate closely to ensure Members remain informed and compliant with the MLS® System standards. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for maintaining the professionalism and integrity of our industry.

Here’s how you can stay compliant:

  1. Stay Informed and Engage in Training:
    • Regularly read all communication shared with the Membership.
    • Participate in educational opportunities provided by LSTAR to stay current on updates and best practices.
    • Take advantage of upcoming and online MLS® and compliance training sessions to ensure you’re up to date with the evolving regulations.
  2. Understand the Rules:
    • Familiarize yourself with the MLS® Rules, Policies and the REALTOR® Code.
    • Being proactive in understanding the guidelines reduces the risk of breaches.
  3. Address Notifications Promptly:
    • If you receive a notification regarding a breach, read it carefully and take immediate action.
    • Provide any requested documentation and resolve issues within the required timeline.

Mandatory New Member Training – A Valuable Resource for ALL Members

LSTAR requires new members to take mandatory training within 90 days of joining. However, this comprehensive and informative course is available to all members, providing a valuable opportunity to enhance professionalism, and stay informed about current requirements.

The training covers key topics, including structure, rules, regulations, and policies governing REALTORS® and the MLS® System. By participating, members can refine their skills to better serve clients.

To register for part 1 – CREA New Member Orientation

To register for part 2 - PropTx Add/Edit class

For additional compliance training, visit the CREA Learning Hub.

Professional Development

Explore the PropTx MLS® ecosystem to enhance professionalism and efficiency: