With MLSs and associations across the country looking for solutions to automatically detect and remediate non-compliant listing descriptions and photos that run afoul of the MLS rules, VestaPlus LLC, the software development division of The MLS, is introducing vital compliance functionality to satisfy the commission settlement on buyer agent compensation. The San Diego MLS identified this as a key benefit to selecting VestaPlus’ Checkmate as its replacement compliance tool.
“Our vendor selection process for compliance was rigorous,” said Saul Klein, CEO of the San Diego MLS (SDMLS). “VestaPlus has a solid reputation for excellent software development and service. By our assessment, Checkmate is the best application in the industry, and will enable us to support our brokers and agents as we endeavor to comply with the new settlement terms.”
SDMLS will be able to manage rule violations on data and photos with detection, corrections, training, appeals, invoicing and online payments in a single solution. This is a unique workflow solution offered only by Checkmate today. Additional features include tiered fines, tracking agent violations, and the ability to recognize agents that have no compliance issues. Billing and payment management were not features of their legacy system.
Checkmate will be customized for SDMLS to match its rules and requirements, incorporating new AI photo compliance capabilities designed to detect violations in property photos covering around 2,500 active listings on behalf of about 12,000 participants and subscribers. SDMLS staff will benefit from viewing all current violations and statuses in one easy report, including a comprehensive case detail page that includes public record data and MLS property data at the time the violation was detected along with the agent violation history.
Annie Ives, CEO of VestaPlus, shared, “The removal of offers of compensation from MLS represents a watershed moment of change for our industry. As an MLS operator and vendor, it is vitally important that we implement new compliance tools that will enable the transition for real estate agents and brokers in the best possible way. We are anxious to partner with our MLS peers to implement these services for the benefit of our industry professionals.”
