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- Listing Services: Rules & Regulations
- GREC: Handling Real Estate Transactions
- Legal Compliance Issues
- DA = Disbursement Authorization Request
- Dual Agency Policy
- 72 Hour Submission of Contracts
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Required Contracts CE Class
Beginning in 2014, all Maximum One agents are required to take at least one Contracts CE class annually.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Handling Real Estate Transactions: GREC Rule 520-1-.10
520-1-.10 Handling Real Estate Transactions.
(1) Presenting Offers. A licensee shall promptly tender to any customer or client any
signed offer to purchase, sell, lease, or exchange property made to such client or
customer. In a transaction in which the offeror is not a client or customer of the licensee,
the licensee receiving an offer must provide a copy of the offer to the licensee working
with or representing the offeree. However, a licensee who obtains an offer may negotiate
a sale, exchange, or lease directly with an owner, a lessor, a purchaser, or a tenant if the
licensee who obtains the offer knows that such offeree has a written outstanding
agreement in connection with such property that expressly provides the other licensee
will not provide negotiation services to the offeree.
(2) License Numbers in Offers. A licensee preparing or signing a brokerage
engagement or an offer to purchase, sell, lease, or exchange real property shall include
the license number issued by the Commission of each firm and of each licensee
participating in the transaction. The licensee shall include the six digit license number
issued by the Commission.
(3) Responsibility to Distribute Copies. A licensee shall provide a copy of any
document utilized in a real estate transaction to any individual signing such document. If
any offer to purchase, sell, lease, or exchange is accepted and signed by all parties, copies
of that document shall be properly distributed, one to each person signing the document
and one to each brokerage firm involved in the transaction.
(4) Retention of Copies of Records and Documents . Copies of sales contracts,
brokerage engagements, closing statements, leases, and other documents related to a real
estate transaction required by law to be maintained in a broker’s file for three years shall
be made available to authorized agents of the Commission upon reasonable request and at
a reasonable cost to the Commission. Brokers that must keep copies of the documents
cited in this paragraph include:
(a) any broker identified in a sales contract, brokerage engagement, closing statement,
lease, or other document related to a real estate transaction;
(b) any broker firm that participates in the negotiations involving a sales contract,
brokerage engagement, lease, or other contractual document related to a real estate
transaction; and
(c) any broker required by O.C.G.A. Section 43-40-20 to maintain a trust account.
Copies of documents and other records which licensees are required by law and the
Commission’s rules to maintain may be maintained in any records storage system that
utilizes paper, film, electronic, or other media provided that: (a) the licensee can produce
true and correct copies of such documents and records and (b) copies of such documents
and records can be made available to an authorized representative of the Commission
upon reasonable request and at reasonable cost to the Commission.
(5) Falsification of Transaction Documents and Misleading Representations
Prohibited. No licensee shall falsify or be a party to the falsification of a document
involved in a real estate transaction or knowingly represent, either verbally or in writing,
to a principal or any interested third party:
(a) an amount other than the true and actual sales, lease, or exchange price;
(b) an amount other than the true and actual downpayment;
(c) an amount other than the true and actual earnest money, security deposit, or other trust
funds or that such trust funds have been tendered in any form other than its true and
actual form;
(d) a payment of trust funds in cash when in fact some other method of such is made; or
(e) an artifice, contrivance, or machination with the intent to deceive.
Any or all such practices shall constitute a misrepresentation.
(6) Disclosure of Commissions, Fees, Rebates, or Other Valuable Consideration.
(a) Settlement Statements and Settlement Documents
Any fee, charge, rebate, profit, commission, referral fee, or other valuable consideration
that is related to a purchase, sale or exchange transaction of real property shall be
disclosed on the settlement statement for that transaction or on a supplemental document
given to the licensee’s principal at or before the closing of the transaction. So long as a
copy of such disclosure is maintained in the broker’s records, no additional disclosure is
required to comply with O.C.G.A. Sections 43-40-25 (b) (6) and (29).
Notwithstanding the above, no disclosure shall be required of any the following:
1. ordinary business expenses incurred on behalf of a licensee’s principal in performing
the services of a broker;
2. gifts, products, services or other things of value given to the licensee, provided that the
receipt of any of the same is not contingent upon any of the following: a) the purchase,
sale or exchange of specific real property; b) the referral by the licensee of products,
services or other business related to a specific real estate transaction, or c) the licensee
performing services, other than the real estate brokerage services, related to a real estate
transaction;
3. gifts, products , services or other things of va lue given to the licensee’s principal,
provided that the receipt of any of the same is not contingent upon the purchase, sale or
exchange of real property;
4. how a real estate commission, fee charge, profit, referral fee or other valuable
consideration of the same is shared with the affiliated licensees of the broker or with any
licensed and unlicensed assistants of those affiliated licensees.
(b) Leases
A lease, or accompanying document, may establish the terms under which a licensee may
pay a referral fee, or offer other valuable consideration related to the real property being
leased. So long as payment or other offering of valuable consideration is made by the
licensee pursuant to the pre-established terms and recorded in the brokers file, no
additional disclosure is required to comply with O.C.G.A. Sections 43-40-25 (b) (6) and
(29).
(c) Management Agreements
A management agreement, or accompanying document, may establish the terms under
which a licensee may pay a referral fee, or offer other valuable consideration related to
the management of the real property on behalf of an owner. So long as payment or other
offering of valuable consideration is made by the licensee pursuant to the pre-established
terms and recorded in the broker’s file , no additional disclosure is required to comply
with O.C.G.A. Sections 43-40-25 (b) (6) and (29).
(d) Miscellaneous
For the purposes of this regulation, the term “licensee’s principal” shall mean the
following:
1. a client of the broker in the specific real estate transaction for which disclosure is being
made provided, however, that if the broker is practicing dual or designated agency the
required disclosures to each client shall only be those disclosures that would be have been
given had the broker only been representing that client; or
2. the customer of the broker, provided that the customer is not being represented by or is
not primarily working with another broker.
Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-40-2, 43-40-7, 43-40-11, 43-40-14, 43-40-25. History. Original Rule entitled
“Salesman” adopted as ER. 520-1-0.1-.10. F. and eff. July 12, 1973, the date of adoption. Amended:
Permanent Rule entitled “Business Name” adopted. F. Dec. 7, 1973; eff. Dec. 27, 1973. Amended: F. Feb.
14, 1977; eff. Mar. 6, 1977. Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 16, 1979; eff. May 6, 1979.
Amended: F. Nov. 16, 1979; eff. Dec. 6, 1979. Amended: Authority changed. F. Aug. 5, 1982; eff. Nov.
1, 1982, as specified by the Agency. Amended: F. May 9, 1985; eff. July 1, 1985, as specified by the
Agency. Amended: F. July 19, 1994; eff. Aug. 8, 1994. Repealed: New Rule entitled “Handling Real
Estate Transactions” adopted. F. Nov. 12, 2003; eff. Dec. 2, 2003. Amended: F. Sept. 21, 2004; eff. Oct.
11, 2004. Amended: F. Jan. 14, 2005; eff. Feb. 3, 2005. Amended: F. Aug. 15, 2007; eff. Sept. 4, 2007.
Amended: F. Oct. 16, 2009; eff. Nov. 5, 2009.
(1) Presenting Offers. A licensee shall promptly tender to any customer or client any
signed offer to purchase, sell, lease, or exchange property made to such client or
customer. In a transaction in which the offeror is not a client or customer of the licensee,
the licensee receiving an offer must provide a copy of the offer to the licensee working
with or representing the offeree. However, a licensee who obtains an offer may negotiate
a sale, exchange, or lease directly with an owner, a lessor, a purchaser, or a tenant if the
licensee who obtains the offer knows that such offeree has a written outstanding
agreement in connection with such property that expressly provides the other licensee
will not provide negotiation services to the offeree.
(2) License Numbers in Offers. A licensee preparing or signing a brokerage
engagement or an offer to purchase, sell, lease, or exchange real property shall include
the license number issued by the Commission of each firm and of each licensee
participating in the transaction. The licensee shall include the six digit license number
issued by the Commission.
(3) Responsibility to Distribute Copies. A licensee shall provide a copy of any
document utilized in a real estate transaction to any individual signing such document. If
any offer to purchase, sell, lease, or exchange is accepted and signed by all parties, copies
of that document shall be properly distributed, one to each person signing the document
and one to each brokerage firm involved in the transaction.
(4) Retention of Copies of Records and Documents . Copies of sales contracts,
brokerage engagements, closing statements, leases, and other documents related to a real
estate transaction required by law to be maintained in a broker’s file for three years shall
be made available to authorized agents of the Commission upon reasonable request and at
a reasonable cost to the Commission. Brokers that must keep copies of the documents
cited in this paragraph include:
(a) any broker identified in a sales contract, brokerage engagement, closing statement,
lease, or other document related to a real estate transaction;
(b) any broker firm that participates in the negotiations involving a sales contract,
brokerage engagement, lease, or other contractual document related to a real estate
transaction; and
(c) any broker required by O.C.G.A. Section 43-40-20 to maintain a trust account.
Copies of documents and other records which licensees are required by law and the
Commission’s rules to maintain may be maintained in any records storage system that
utilizes paper, film, electronic, or other media provided that: (a) the licensee can produce
true and correct copies of such documents and records and (b) copies of such documents
and records can be made available to an authorized representative of the Commission
upon reasonable request and at reasonable cost to the Commission.
(5) Falsification of Transaction Documents and Misleading Representations
Prohibited. No licensee shall falsify or be a party to the falsification of a document
involved in a real estate transaction or knowingly represent, either verbally or in writing,
to a principal or any interested third party:
(a) an amount other than the true and actual sales, lease, or exchange price;
(b) an amount other than the true and actual downpayment;
(c) an amount other than the true and actual earnest money, security deposit, or other trust
funds or that such trust funds have been tendered in any form other than its true and
actual form;
(d) a payment of trust funds in cash when in fact some other method of such is made; or
(e) an artifice, contrivance, or machination with the intent to deceive.
Any or all such practices shall constitute a misrepresentation.
(6) Disclosure of Commissions, Fees, Rebates, or Other Valuable Consideration.
(a) Settlement Statements and Settlement Documents
Any fee, charge, rebate, profit, commission, referral fee, or other valuable consideration
that is related to a purchase, sale or exchange transaction of real property shall be
disclosed on the settlement statement for that transaction or on a supplemental document
given to the licensee’s principal at or before the closing of the transaction. So long as a
copy of such disclosure is maintained in the broker’s records, no additional disclosure is
required to comply with O.C.G.A. Sections 43-40-25 (b) (6) and (29).
Notwithstanding the above, no disclosure shall be required of any the following:
1. ordinary business expenses incurred on behalf of a licensee’s principal in performing
the services of a broker;
2. gifts, products, services or other things of value given to the licensee, provided that the
receipt of any of the same is not contingent upon any of the following: a) the purchase,
sale or exchange of specific real property; b) the referral by the licensee of products,
services or other business related to a specific real estate transaction, or c) the licensee
performing services, other than the real estate brokerage services, related to a real estate
transaction;
3. gifts, products , services or other things of va lue given to the licensee’s principal,
provided that the receipt of any of the same is not contingent upon the purchase, sale or
exchange of real property;
4. how a real estate commission, fee charge, profit, referral fee or other valuable
consideration of the same is shared with the affiliated licensees of the broker or with any
licensed and unlicensed assistants of those affiliated licensees.
(b) Leases
A lease, or accompanying document, may establish the terms under which a licensee may
pay a referral fee, or offer other valuable consideration related to the real property being
leased. So long as payment or other offering of valuable consideration is made by the
licensee pursuant to the pre-established terms and recorded in the brokers file, no
additional disclosure is required to comply with O.C.G.A. Sections 43-40-25 (b) (6) and
(29).
(c) Management Agreements
A management agreement, or accompanying document, may establish the terms under
which a licensee may pay a referral fee, or offer other valuable consideration related to
the management of the real property on behalf of an owner. So long as payment or other
offering of valuable consideration is made by the licensee pursuant to the pre-established
terms and recorded in the broker’s file , no additional disclosure is required to comply
with O.C.G.A. Sections 43-40-25 (b) (6) and (29).
(d) Miscellaneous
For the purposes of this regulation, the term “licensee’s principal” shall mean the
following:
1. a client of the broker in the specific real estate transaction for which disclosure is being
made provided, however, that if the broker is practicing dual or designated agency the
required disclosures to each client shall only be those disclosures that would be have been
given had the broker only been representing that client; or
2. the customer of the broker, provided that the customer is not being represented by or is
not primarily working with another broker.
Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-40-2, 43-40-7, 43-40-11, 43-40-14, 43-40-25. History. Original Rule entitled
“Salesman” adopted as ER. 520-1-0.1-.10. F. and eff. July 12, 1973, the date of adoption. Amended:
Permanent Rule entitled “Business Name” adopted. F. Dec. 7, 1973; eff. Dec. 27, 1973. Amended: F. Feb.
14, 1977; eff. Mar. 6, 1977. Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 16, 1979; eff. May 6, 1979.
Amended: F. Nov. 16, 1979; eff. Dec. 6, 1979. Amended: Authority changed. F. Aug. 5, 1982; eff. Nov.
1, 1982, as specified by the Agency. Amended: F. May 9, 1985; eff. July 1, 1985, as specified by the
Agency. Amended: F. July 19, 1994; eff. Aug. 8, 1994. Repealed: New Rule entitled “Handling Real
Estate Transactions” adopted. F. Nov. 12, 2003; eff. Dec. 2, 2003. Amended: F. Sept. 21, 2004; eff. Oct.
11, 2004. Amended: F. Jan. 14, 2005; eff. Feb. 3, 2005. Amended: F. Aug. 15, 2007; eff. Sept. 4, 2007.
Amended: F. Oct. 16, 2009; eff. Nov. 5, 2009.
Fair Housing Policy
UNLAWFUL PRACTICES IN SALES, LEASES, ETC. OF FAIR HOUSING ACT OF 1990
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“Familial status” means generally to have custody of one or more individuals under 18 years of age.
Any person found to have violated the Act may be fined up to $50,000.
It is the policy of Maximum One to comply with the provisions of the Act, and as a condition to your continued association with Maximum One, you are hereby instructed to comply with the provisions of the Act, including, but not limited to your not engaging in any of the unlawful practices listed above.
It is further agreed and understood that Maximum One will not be required to defend you if you are accused of violating any provision of the Act.
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“Familial status” means generally to have custody of one or more individuals under 18 years of age.
Any person found to have violated the Act may be fined up to $50,000.
It is the policy of Maximum One to comply with the provisions of the Act, and as a condition to your continued association with Maximum One, you are hereby instructed to comply with the provisions of the Act, including, but not limited to your not engaging in any of the unlawful practices listed above.
It is further agreed and understood that Maximum One will not be required to defend you if you are accused of violating any provision of the Act.
Anti-Trust Compliance Policy
ANTI-TRUST COMPLIANCE POLICIES OF
MAXIMUM ONE™ REALTY GREATER ATLANTA
1. The commission rates of our firm are based upon the cost of the services we provide, the value of these services to our clients, and competitive market conditions. Our commission rates are not determined by agreement with, or recommendation or suggestion from, any person not a party to a listing agreement with our firm.
2. Salespersons affiliated with this firm shall not participate in any discussion with any person affiliated with, or employed by, any other real estate firm concerning the commission rates charged by this form, or any other real estate firm in our community.
3. When soliciting a listing, or negotiating a listing agreement, no salesperson affiliated with this firm shall make any reference to a “prevailing” commission level in the community, the “going rate” or any other words or phrases that suggest that commission rates are uniform or “standard” within our marketing area, or that agencies will not show properties unless there is a specific commission rate.
4. The amount of sub-agency compensation or “commission split” offered by this firm to cooperating brokers is determined by the level of service we can expect a cooperating office to perform, and the amount of compensation, or commission splits, are not intended and may not be used to induce or compel any other real estate firm on our marketing area to raise or lower the commission they charge to their client.
5. When soliciting or negotiating a listing agreement, no salesperson affiliated with this office shall disparage the business practices of any other real estate firm, nor suggest that this office, or any other office, will not cooperate with any other real estate firm. Listing presentations shall focus exclusively upon the level of service and professionalism provided by this office, the results we have achieved for other clients, and the value the client can expect to receive for the fees we charge. Potential clients should be invited, and encouraged, to compare the value of our services to those of any other real estate firm in our marketing area. Likewise, any salesperson who is invited by a potential client to compare our service with those of any other real estate should do so by emphasizing the nature and quality of the services we provide.
6. Whenever a salesperson is unsure about the proper way to respond to the concerns of an actual or potential client or customer, or whenever a salesperson has been present during an unauthorized discussion of fees or commissions, he/she should verbally disavow any involvement in the conversation, leave the premises, and contact his/her Broker immediately. If necessary, the Broker will consult our firm’s attorney.
Non-Discrimination Agreement
It is the law of the land that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or familial status. As a condition of continued association with Maximum One™, I agree to abide by and promote the following:
1. It is the policy of this office that no person will be discriminated against in either hiring or firing of personnel on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or familial status.
2. Furthermore, it is the policy of this company that the independent contractors (sales associates) will not discriminate in the showing, selling, leasing, advertising or listing of real estate because of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or familial status
3. Should a sales associate be accused of discrimination, an investigation will be conducted by the broker and if the investigation confirms the accusation, the sales associate’s actions will be reported to the Georgia Real Estate Commission for further investigation and necessary action.
4. Maximum One™, its management, administrators and associates endorse and affirm the “Voluntary Affirmative Marketing Program” as evidenced by the signature of its principal broker. A basic premise to which we subscribe is that individuals with similar financial resources and interests in the same housing market area have a like range of housing choices available to them regardless of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
Further principals to which we subscribe are: a) that a free housing choice is a choice free of practices or influences that would limit that choice because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin and b) that information and services will be made available to enable all buyers and renters to have free housing choices.
DA - Disbursement Authorization Request
Disbursement Authorization Request "DA"
Request must be UPLOADED or EMAILED well in advance of closing and NO LATER than 72 business hours prior to Closing.
It is Agent’s responsibility to make sure file is complete & compliant in Paperless Pipeline
If this is a “quick closing” remember that personal checks for earnest money must be held for 10 days
No DA will be issued on incomplete files nor on files where agent has received a Commission Advance
No DA will be written without written request at least 72 business hours prior to closing
Upload to Paperless Pipeline or Email to: Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com
*************************************************************
Agent Name: ________________________ MX1 Office Location: ____________________
Closing Date: ___________________ Binding Date: _______________
Property Address: ____________________________________________________
Sale Price: $_________________ Gross Commission: $___________________
FMLS Amount $____________ (Sales Price x .0012)
Buyer: _______________________________ Seller: ______________________________
Closing Attorney Office: __________________________ Location: ___________________
Closing Attorney Email: _______________________________ Phone: ________________
Who do you want check payable to: ____________________________________________
Is there anything we need to know about this DA: _________________________________
Is Maximum One holding Earnest Money: YES / NO (Circle One)
If “Yes” you must take earnest money with you to the closing.
Do you want to: PICK UP / HAVE FED EX’d (with $25 fee for FedEx) (Circle One)
Amount of Earnest Money: $______________
After Closing:
Deliver to office:
Checks payable to Maximum One & FMLS & Anyone else that is not you
Upload into Paperless Pipeline:
Original HUD-1 Settlement Statement
Copy of this DA
FMLS #118 – Notice of Closing
Change Status of Listing (if it is your listing) in GAMLS
Earnest Money: Remote Deposit - MXGR01
REMOTE EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT PROCEDURES: (MXGR01- Realtor)
To deposit Earnest Money remotely, one must complete the following items. This protocol must be strictly adhered to as to avoid accounting nightmares and GREC Trust Account compliance issues. Failure to abide by the protocol will result in Remote Deposit Privilege revocation. Here is what Agents need to do remotely:
1. Completely fill in deposit slip(s). A separate Deposit slip must be used for each Earnest Money Deposit. If there are two earnest money checks there should be two deposits with two deposit slips.
2. Endorse the back of the check “Greater Atlanta Realtors LLC”
For Deposit Only
1000101878063
Escrow/Trust”
3. Make copies of the
a. Earnest Money Check
b. Deposit Slip
c. Deposit Receipt.
d. Include: Buyer’s Name, Property Address, Agent’s Name
4. Deposit the Earnest Money into any branch of SunTrust Bank, commonly found in Publix Stores.
5. Upload copies to Paperless Pipeline immediately and email Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com or Fax: 770-919-8865. Must be done same day as Deposit.
6. Upload the Bluesheet, contract, Buyer Brokerage/Customer Acknowledgement & other contract documents to Paperless Pipeline. Contact our Compliance Broker (Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com 770-919-8825 ext 309) if you have any questions.
7. Check Paperless Pipeline & make sure that the Deposit was uploaded.
8. Enjoy the freedom of Virtual Realty: not coming into the office!
I, the undersigned have read and understand the seriousness of accuracy in Remote Earnest Money Deposit Protocol. I understand that if I do not follow the protocol that my privileges may be revoked. I also understand that if there are any fines charged to Maximum One by GREC due to my negligence that I will incur those charges and reimburse Maximum One.
____________________________________________ _____________
MX Associate Signature Date
To deposit Earnest Money remotely, one must complete the following items. This protocol must be strictly adhered to as to avoid accounting nightmares and GREC Trust Account compliance issues. Failure to abide by the protocol will result in Remote Deposit Privilege revocation. Here is what Agents need to do remotely:
1. Completely fill in deposit slip(s). A separate Deposit slip must be used for each Earnest Money Deposit. If there are two earnest money checks there should be two deposits with two deposit slips.
2. Endorse the back of the check “Greater Atlanta Realtors LLC”
For Deposit Only
1000101878063
Escrow/Trust”
3. Make copies of the
a. Earnest Money Check
b. Deposit Slip
c. Deposit Receipt.
d. Include: Buyer’s Name, Property Address, Agent’s Name
4. Deposit the Earnest Money into any branch of SunTrust Bank, commonly found in Publix Stores.
5. Upload copies to Paperless Pipeline immediately and email Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com or Fax: 770-919-8865. Must be done same day as Deposit.
6. Upload the Bluesheet, contract, Buyer Brokerage/Customer Acknowledgement & other contract documents to Paperless Pipeline. Contact our Compliance Broker (Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com 770-919-8825 ext 309) if you have any questions.
7. Check Paperless Pipeline & make sure that the Deposit was uploaded.
8. Enjoy the freedom of Virtual Realty: not coming into the office!
I, the undersigned have read and understand the seriousness of accuracy in Remote Earnest Money Deposit Protocol. I understand that if I do not follow the protocol that my privileges may be revoked. I also understand that if there are any fines charged to Maximum One by GREC due to my negligence that I will incur those charges and reimburse Maximum One.
____________________________________________ _____________
MX Associate Signature Date
Earnest Money: Remote Deposit - MXGA01
REMOTE EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT PROCEDURES: (MXGA01- Non-Realtor)
To deposit Earnest Money remotely, one must complete the following items. This protocol must be strictly adhered to as to avoid accounting nightmares and GREC Trust Account compliance issues. Failure to abide by the protocol will result in Remote Deposit Privilege revocation. Here is what Agents need to do remotely:
1. Completely fill in deposit slip(s). A separate Deposit slip must be used for each Earnest Money Deposit. If there are two earnest money checks there should be two deposits with two deposit slips.
2. Endorse the back of the check “Greater Atlanta LLC”
For Deposit Only
1000054277438
Escrow/Trust”
3. Make copies of the
a. Earnest Money Check
b. Deposit Slip
c. Deposit Receipt.
d. Include: Buyer’s Name, property Address, Agent’s Name
4. Deposit the Earnest Money into any branch of SunTrust Bank, commonly found in Publix Stores.
5. Upload copies to Paperless Pipeline immediately and E-Mail: Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com, or Fax:770-919-8865 . Must be done same day as Deposit.
6. Upload the Bluesheet, contract, Buyer Brokerage/Customer Acknowledgement & other contract documents to Paperless Pipeline. Contact our Compliance Broker (Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com 770-919-8825 ext 309) if you have any questions.
7. Check Paperless Pipeline & make sure that the Deposit was uploaded.
8. Enjoy the freedom of Virtual Realty: not coming into the office!
I, the undersigned have read and understand the seriousness of accuracy in Remote Earnest Money Deposit Protocol. I understand that if I do not follow the protocol that my privileges may be revoked. I also understand that if there are any fines charged to Maximum One by GREC due to my negligence that I will incur those charges and reimburse Maximum One.
____________________________________________ _____________
MX Associate Signature Date
To deposit Earnest Money remotely, one must complete the following items. This protocol must be strictly adhered to as to avoid accounting nightmares and GREC Trust Account compliance issues. Failure to abide by the protocol will result in Remote Deposit Privilege revocation. Here is what Agents need to do remotely:
1. Completely fill in deposit slip(s). A separate Deposit slip must be used for each Earnest Money Deposit. If there are two earnest money checks there should be two deposits with two deposit slips.
2. Endorse the back of the check “Greater Atlanta LLC”
For Deposit Only
1000054277438
Escrow/Trust”
3. Make copies of the
a. Earnest Money Check
b. Deposit Slip
c. Deposit Receipt.
d. Include: Buyer’s Name, property Address, Agent’s Name
4. Deposit the Earnest Money into any branch of SunTrust Bank, commonly found in Publix Stores.
5. Upload copies to Paperless Pipeline immediately and E-Mail: Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com, or Fax:770-919-8865 . Must be done same day as Deposit.
6. Upload the Bluesheet, contract, Buyer Brokerage/Customer Acknowledgement & other contract documents to Paperless Pipeline. Contact our Compliance Broker (Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com 770-919-8825 ext 309) if you have any questions.
7. Check Paperless Pipeline & make sure that the Deposit was uploaded.
8. Enjoy the freedom of Virtual Realty: not coming into the office!
I, the undersigned have read and understand the seriousness of accuracy in Remote Earnest Money Deposit Protocol. I understand that if I do not follow the protocol that my privileges may be revoked. I also understand that if there are any fines charged to Maximum One by GREC due to my negligence that I will incur those charges and reimburse Maximum One.
____________________________________________ _____________
MX Associate Signature Date
Fees with MX1 In-House Transactions
Maximum One encourages agents to close transactions “in house.” Therefore, there is an incentive regarding the MX1 transaction fees. The exception is if the Listing Side commission & the Selling Side Commission are between Maximum One Agents but in different companies (i.e. MXGA and MXGR and MXEX and MXER) In this situation, each agent must pay 100% of the FMLS fee due to being in two separate companies. See table below for a better understanding.
Rotation Schedule for Walk-In Customers
As your branch gets walk-in customers, the following is the rotation schedule (in order) to give that business to agents in your office:
1. AOD – if you have an Agent on Duty in your office, that agents gets the walk-in business
2. Agents who Rent Desks in your office – keep a list of those agents and rotate through this list
3. Agents in the office – keep a list of which agents receive the opportunity
4. Your Branch Roster – keep track of where you are on your rotation list
We strive to maintain parity and fairness in giving the opportunity for all of our agents where walk-in customers are concerned.
1. AOD – if you have an Agent on Duty in your office, that agents gets the walk-in business
2. Agents who Rent Desks in your office – keep a list of those agents and rotate through this list
3. Agents in the office – keep a list of which agents receive the opportunity
4. Your Branch Roster – keep track of where you are on your rotation list
We strive to maintain parity and fairness in giving the opportunity for all of our agents where walk-in customers are concerned.
Transaction Fee / Split on $0 Commission
Beginning June 10, 2013, if you choose to take $0.00 in commission on a transaction, the following shall apply:
• Transaction fee to Maximum One shall be $50 ($40 if you are on Plan B) if this transaction is for an Owner-Occupied property for yourself or your immediate family with a maximum of two transactions per year.
• If the above does not apply, then the transaction fee to Maximum One shall be the transaction fee based on your plan, if you are on a commission split, then the Maximum One fee shall be your split (based on your plan) based on 3% of the sales price of the property.
• Transaction fee to Maximum One shall be $50 ($40 if you are on Plan B) if this transaction is for an Owner-Occupied property for yourself or your immediate family with a maximum of two transactions per year.
• If the above does not apply, then the transaction fee to Maximum One shall be the transaction fee based on your plan, if you are on a commission split, then the Maximum One fee shall be your split (based on your plan) based on 3% of the sales price of the property.
W9 Tax ID Forms
W9 Tax ID Forms: If Maximum One
collects money and has to pay another party you must provide us with a W9 Form
for that other party or we cannot cut the check and we cannot release your
commission check. You can get this W9 form from your co-op agent or from the
other brokerage directly. In turn, if another brokerage is sending Maximum One
a check so that we can pay you (i.e. lease co-op, etc.) they will need a W9
from Maximum One. The W9 forms for Maximum One are available on the extranet
under "Admin" then "W9 Forms." Please use the appropriate
one if you are in the Realtor company or the Realty company. We have separate
tax ID numbers per company.
Transfer of Earnest Money Between Properties
Authorization
to Transfer Earnest Money held on an offer:
From Property Address:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Buyer Name: ____________________________________
To Property Address:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Buyer Name: ____________________________________
_____________________________________ __________________________
Buyer Signature Date
_____________________________________
Agent Name
_____________________________________
Agent Signature
Transaction Fees / FMLS Splits on In-House Transactions & Referrals
Transaction Fees
Maximum One transaction fee must be
split at the same percentage as the gross commission per agent. The only exception is contract-to-close
services rendered. Each agent’s transactions fees are based on whatever
commission plan they are on with Maximum One.
FMLS Fees
If two agents are BOTH in one company
(Realty/Realty OR Realtor/Realtor) then the FMLS fee can be split at agent’s
discretion… please indicate on Bluesheet.
If two agents are in DIFFERENT
companies (Realty/Realtor) on BOTH sides of the deal (Listing & Selling)
then BOTH agents must pay full FMLS fee.
If two agents are in DIFFERENT
companies (Realty/Realtor) on ONE side of the deal, then the FMLS fee must come
out of whomever is in FMLS. We can adjust the commission in this scenario to
compensate for the FMLS portion.
Service Recommendations
As a real estate professional, there are services you should recommend
to your Buyers. These clients may not accept these recommendations. After they
have closed and moved into their new home, they may "forget" that you
recommended they take these steps. For your protection, please have your Buyers
sign this “Service Recommendations”
(on next page) document and make sure that you both receive a
copy.
These items include suggesting that the Buyer get:
- Independent property inspection
- Termite clearance letter/bond
- Survey
- Owner's Title Insurance
- Have the house re-keyed
It is professionally recommended that when purchasing a home you should
have it inspected by a certified/licensed inspector, get a termite clearance
letter and bond, get a survey of your property so you know the boundaries and
easements, get Owner’s Title Insurance to protect your interest and have the
house re-keyed.
I choose to get a termite
clearance letter and bond: _______
Yes _______ No
I choose to have the property
inspected by an independent inspector: _______ Yes _______ No
I choose to get a property
Survey prior to closing: _______ Yes _______ No
I choose to get Owner’s Title
Insurance at closing: _______ Yes _______
No
I choose to have the property
re-keyed within 3 days of closing: _______ Yes _______
No
_____________________________________
______________________________________
Client Signature Date
Client Signature Date
_____________________________________ ______________________________________
Client Name Date
Client Name Date
_____________________________________
Brokerage Name
_____________________________________
Agent Signature Date
_____________________________________
Agent Name Date
Retainer Fees
Retainer Fees - Retainer fees are not to be collected in short
sales. Unless otherwise stipulated, retainer fees are non-refundable except
when the Buyer purchases a property & you earn a commission - then the
retainer fee gets refunded to the Buyer at the closing. Maximum One will hold
all retainer fees in our Trust account until:
- The Buyer
closes on a transaction in which the agent receives a commission -
retainer fee gets refunded to Buyer
- The Buyer
Agency Agreement terminates or expires - we will disburse to the agent.
- Other
Arrangements are agreed upon in writing.
Personal Checks: 10 Day Hold
Personal Checks: If
you receive a personal check for Earnest Money, Retainer Fee, Rental Payment,
Property Management Fee, etc., Maximum One must hold that check for 10 days
prior to writing a check against those funds.
- If you need access to those funds immediately, you must have the client pay by certified funds.
Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta Agents are Prohibited from Purchasing HUD REO's
Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta agents & their immediate families
are prohibited from buying or having any interest in HUD foreclosures! We are a HUD
listing broker (Neighborhood Listing Broker "NLB" or Local Listing
Broker "LLB.")
- NLB's their
employees, their agents company affiliates and subcontractors are NOT
allowed to:
- Purchase
any HUD properties
- Acquire any
interest in any HUD property.
- Furthermore,
the contractor, subcontractor, a management official, their immediate
family members, or any affiliated entity under contract with HUD who has
involvement in the management, marketing, or oversight of HUD-owned
properties under HUD's M&M III contracts, are prohibited from
purchasing or leasing a HUD-owned property.
- If we
discover you have violated this policy, we will be forced to dehire you
from Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta
- All agents
of any HUD listing brokerage are subject to the same HUD rules and
regulations
MX1 Affiliated Business Disclosure
MX1 Affiliated Business Disclosure: Maximum One's company
policy is to have ALL MX1 Clients / Customers sign this disclosure. To comply with RESPA
requirements, HUD only requires a Buyer to sign this disclosure if the Buyer
uses the services of one of the affiliates, we require your Clients / Customers
sign it and that you submit it with every purchase contract. The Buyer may use
an inspector/home warranty/etc. from a vendor who is in our vendor program and
pays for that privilege. If you cannot get the Other Party to sign (especially
a bank) that is fine.
This form is available on Paperless Pipeline, WolfConnect & FMLS under "Office Docs."
Marketing & Advertising
Marketing/Advertising
·
You are required to review the GREC advertising rules &
regulations: Complete rules on advertising can be found in Rule 520-1-.09 www.grec.state.ga.us
·
All advertising (print media, signs,
website, e-mail, business cards, Craigslist, Facebook, etc...) by an affiliate
licensee must be done in the name of firm and under the supervision of the broker. When a licensee advertises a specific
property or properties for sale, for rent, or for exchange, the name of the
licensed firm offering the property must appear in equal or greater size,
prominence, and frequency than the name or names of any affiliated licensees or
groups of licensees. Additionally, the telephone number of the firm must appear
in equal or greater size, prominence, and frequency than any telephone numbers
of any affiliated licensees or groups of licensees. See
also Rule 520-1-.09
·
All marketing materials must be
approved by your Broker or the Managing Broker
·
Logos can be found on WolfConnect.
GREC Advertising Guide
·
ALL Advertising (Including Specific
Property)
o
Is Not Misleading
o
Does Not Discriminate
o
In the Name of the Broker
o
Reviewed & Approved by the
Broker
·
Advertising Specific Property
(House, Apartment, Subdivision, Condo, Land, Etc.)
o
REQUIRED
§
Broker’s Name equal or greater
size, frequency or prominence than agent(s).
§
Broker’s telephone number is
equal or greater size, frequency or prominence than telephone number of
agent(s).
o
OPTIONAL
§
Affiliate Licensee(s) or Team
Name
§
Telephone number other than broker
§
E-mail/Web address
·
Advertising Licensee-Owned Property
o
Written notification to Broker
o
Broker’s written consent &
approval
o
Includes appropriate licensee
disclosure
o
Complies with Rules on
advertising specific property
Agent Exit & Transfer Form
Maximum One: Agent Exit / Transfer Form
Maximum One Realty / Realtors understands that sometimes change is necessary. Please take a moment to fill out the information below to make your transition easier. Upon receipt of this request, Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta will release your real estate license via GREC online immediately, but no later than one business day.
Type of change requested: ____ Move to inactive status
____ Transfer to : ________________________________
____ Move to Maximum One Realty’s Holding Company
Licensee has one month from the Commission’s receipt of the licensee’s wall certificate of licensure to transfer to another broker, which includes the holding company, or place the license on inactive status.
Reason for change: ____ Moving out of state: _________ (New State)
____ Transfer to another company: _______________________
____ Board Membership
____ Unable to pay dues, renewal fees and/or MLS charges
____ Other : _________________________________________
Maximum One Realty / Realtors hopes that your experience with our company has been positive. Please take a moment to give any input that you would like to share so that we can always assist and serve others better in the future. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Agents in good standing may transfer listings to their new broker and must attach the GA MLS transfer request and Form # 116 for FMLS forms. Pending contracts will be processed in accordance to the Policy and Procedures. As a reminder, agent will be paid directly when a letter from the new broker is received and all closing fees have been deducted; Pay at Close “DA” option is not available. All contracts not detailed below will be distributed immediately at Broker’s discretion.
Transactions – Attach additional sheets if necessary:
__ Active __ Pending __ Listing __Sale Property Address:________________________________
__ Active __ Pending __ Listing __Sale Property Address:________________________________
__ Active __ Pending __ Listing __Sale Property Address:________________________________
__ Active __ Pending __ Listing __Sale Property Address:________________________________
__ Active __ Pending __ Listing __Sale Property Address:________________________________
__ Active __ Pending __ Listing __Sale Property Address:________________________________
All Pending transactions will be paid out according to the commission plan that agent had with Maximum One. Agent is also responsible for FMLS fees if any are required by FMLS. No Disbursements “DA” at the closing table will be authorized on any closings.
Please list all security deposits and/or trust accounts that are registered or deposited with Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta. These will be disbursed in accordance with the contract.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Agent certifies that all information is complete, true and correct. Agent also certifies that all security deposits and trust accounts have been released by Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta. Agent further agrees to take all financial and legal consequences fully and wholly unto him/herself for failure of disclosing such.
__________________________________________________ Date: ________________________
(agent signature)
Email to: ASC@MyMaximumOne.com or Fax to: 770-929-8865
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Leaving Maximum One
Leaving Maximum One: We sincerely hope that you
choose to make Maximum One your permanent Brokerage for the remainder of your
real estate career. If, however, you
decide to leave the company or are asked to leave the company, here are the
procedures to follow:
- Notify your Branch Manager, Managing Broker or Agent Services Coordinator that you wish to leave.
- Complete the “Agent Exit Form”
- We will electronically release your license from GREC, FMLS & GAMLS
- We will notify our accounting Department so that your final bill may be prepared
- Pay your final bill
- If you have an outstanding balance, contact AgentBilling@MyMaximumOne.com to make payment arrangements
- You will no longer have access to WolfConnect
- The Agent Services Coordinator handles this process (ASC@MyMaximumOne.com )
Going “Inactive:”
If you feel you wish to go “Inactive,” consider joining the Maximum One
Holding Company
- Holding Company – You must maintain an Active License with GREC (CE Credits & renewal fees.) The annual cost with Maximum One is $60. You may NOT practice real estate actively but you may receive referral fees. Please see “Holding Company” on WolfConnect.
- Going Inactive – We will electronically release your license back to GREC. You must check with GREC for steps to take to re-activate your license in the future.
Transferring to a New Brokerage: If you transfer to a new Brokerage and have
active business with Maximum One, there are procedures to follow:
- Pending transactions will close with Maximum One.
- We must have a letter or email (or FMLS Form CO12) from your new Broker giving Maximum One Realty permission to pay you the commission.
- Your file must be compliant and complete in Paperless Pipeline (check with Compliance@MyMaximumOne.com)
- Listings will go with you to your new Brokerage.
- For each listing, you must complete FMLS #116 “Addendum to Right to Sell Listing Contract” and send it to us (Branch Manager or Broker) for a Broker Signature to release those listings in FMLS. This form may be found in FMLS on “Print on Demand”
- For each listing, you must complete the GAMLS “Listing Withdraw/Transfer Form” and send it to your Branch manager or Broker for a Broker Signature to release those listings in GAMLS. This form can be found in GAMLS under Administrative Forms.
Transferring from one Maximum One Company to Another
Maximum One Company: If you transfer
from MXGA to MXGR (or vice versa) or from Greater Atlanta to Executives (or
vice versa) you must complete the Agent Exit/Transfer form.
Lead-Based Paint Exhibit
Lead-Based Paint Exhibit: You MUST include a
Lead-Based Paint Exhibit in your contract if the house was built prior to 1978.
Consider, however, including this exhibit in ALL of your contracts regardless
of the date the house was built. Maximum One is considering this as a policy as
well. In 2012, Coldwell Banker LOST a lawsuit to the tune of $1.5 million
because the Seller had placed an antique mantle over the fireplace which
contained lead-based paint & there was NO EPA disclosure as part of the
contract!
Lapsed License
Lapsed License: If your real estate license lapses for any reason (failure
to complete all CE credits or failure to renew) you are to CEASE & DESIST
ALL REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY until you have renewed with GREC. This means no
contact with clients, no showing property, not writing or negotiating
contracts, no receiving referral fees, etc. You will continue to be billed by
Maximum One. If you do not renew within 60 days after your lapse, we will be
have to drop your license from Maximum One. If there are extenuating
circumstances, please contact your Managing Broker.
You
are responsible for checking your own renewal dates with GREC.
HUD NAID Numbers
·
HUD NAID numbers for Submitting a HUD
Bid: If you are submitting a bid on a HUD foreclosure, first thing is check
your brokerage affiliation on your registration at: www.HUDHomestore.com Next, make sure
you use the proper HUD NAID # when making an offer. Below are the NAID numbers
and corporate names of our companies. You will also need a letter from the
broker authorizing you to sign the contracts. These letters are on Paperless Pipeline & in WolfConnect. Below are the NAID numbers and company corporate names:
o
Maximum One Realty Greater Atlanta
§
Corporate Name: Greater Atlanta, LLC
§
NAID #: GRTRTL0360
§
Qualifying Broker: Arline Kubat
o
Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors
§
Corporate Name: Maximum One Real Estate Group, LLC
§
NAID #: GRTRTL1947
§
Qualifying Broker: Sue Hudson
o
Maximum One Realty Executives
§
Corporate Name: MX Realty Executives, LLC
§
NAID #: MXRLTY4997
§
Qualifying Broker: Rick Bessom
o
Maximum One Executives Realtors, LLC
§
Corporate Name: MX Executives Real Estate Group, LLC
§
NAID #: MXEXCT5752
§
Qualifying Broker: Tina Vliet
GAMLS Rules & Regulations
GAMLS
Maximum One is a
member of GAMLS and you are required to enter your listings into GAMLS along
with FMLS.
Listing Rules
The Data Administration department is responsible for helping you maintain accurate and timely information on your listings. Most policies fall into one of three broad categories:General Listing Policies;
All residential listings must be entered into the system within two business days.- Any Exclusive Right to Sell residential listing (i.e. single family detached, single family attached and multifamily properties) is required to be entered into the listing database within 48 hours after obtaining the necessary signatures. Other types of exclusive listings (e.g. commercial, land/lot) are optional but must be maintained according to Georgia MLS policy once entered.
- Any change to the original listing agreement, the listed price or the status must be reflected in the database within 24 hours of the broker's receipt of the seller's authorization.
- When an agent or broker enters listing information into the database, the information must be correct and timely.
Fees and Fines:
Withdrawal Fee - Any listing that is withdrawn prior to the expiration date is subject to a $25 withdrawal fee. If the seller is foreclosed upon, the usual withdrawal fee is waived when proof of foreclosure is provided. If the broker is unable to obtain proof of foreclosure, Georgia MLS will credit a withdrawal fee when proof is later submitted.Compliance Fines - Any violation of Georgia MLS policy regarding listings is subject to a $25 fine. An additional $5 fine is issued daily until the violation is resolved.
Listing Status:
A change in the status of a listing should be made on the system, or through Georgia MLS for withdrawn listings, no later than 24 hours (excepting weekends, holidays and postal holidays) after the change is agreed to by the broker and seller, and the proper documentation is signed.Status Descriptions:
MARKET CODE - AVAILABLE (A)
|
MARKET CODE - OFF MARKET (O)
|
A - Active
N - New (lasts 14 days) R - Reduced (lasts 7 days) I - Increased (lasts 3 days) E - Extended (lasts 3 days) B - Back on Market (lasts 3 days) CK - Contingent with Kickout Clause PA - Pending seller approval of contract |
U - Under Contract
LP - Lease Purchase X - Expired S - Sold WD - Withdrawn RL - Rented/Leased* RU - Rental Unavailable* * - Rental properties only |
Projected Closing Date (PCD) Policy:
When a listing is placed under contract (U), pending approval (PA), under contingency with a kick-out clause (CK) or under lease-purchase (LP), the system will require the user to select a projected closing date (PCD) before it will save the status change. The PCD will serve as a reminder to the agent to update the listing. As the selected date approaches, Georgia MLS will automatically send reminders, in the form of faxes and emails, to update the listing. To successfully correct the PCD issue, the user must update the status or extend the PCD. If the listing has not been updated properly two days after the PCD, it is subject to fines.Property Type Classification:
All listings must be classified according to the following definitions. All listings that are incorrectly classified should be withdrawn and re-listed in the correct property type to avoid a fine. The usual withdrawal fee is waived for wrong property types.**Properties may only be listed in multiple categories in the specific cases indicated below.
Property Type
|
Definition
|
Single Family Detached Residence (SFD)
|
A property that is a free standing home, not attached to
any other building. This includes traditional single-family homes, cluster
homes, and mobile homes that include land. The bare minimum criterion for an
SFD listing is a set foundation.
|
Single Family Attached Residence (SFA)
|
A property that is physically attached to another home, in
any manner. This category includes single units in condominium complexes,
high-rises, duplex and multi-plex properties, as well as townhomes. This
category replaces the former condo/townhome category (CT).
|
Multi-family (MF)
|
A property that includes two or more attached units but is
for sale as a whole unit.
|
Lot/Land (LL)
|
A parcel of land fully developed and ready for
construction. Once a foundation has been set, the property should be listed
as either single family or commercial.
|
Commercial for Sale (CM)
|
A property that is zoned for business purposes and
commercial income. Commercial listings must include sale of the land; business
opportunities that do not include real estate are not eligible for listing in
the service.
|
Acreage and Farms (AF)
|
A large tract of land that has not been subdivided and is
available for sale as a whole.
|
Rental Residential (RR)
|
A single family residence or condo/townhouse unit that is
available for lease.
|
Rental Commercial (RC)
|
A property zoned for business purposes that is available
for lease.
|
Duplicate Listings
Multiple listings for a single property are not allowed, with the possible exceptions indicated below. If a property has multiple listings, the extra listings must be withdrawn so that only a single listing exists. If the extra listings are not withdrawn in a timely manner, the listing broker may be subject to compliance fines.Exceptions - Georgia MLS allows duplicate listings in a single property only if the listings clearly offer different acreages at different list prices. Combinations of active listings in different categories are allowed in the following cases:
- Single Family Detached (SFD) and Acreage and Farms (AF)
- Single Family Detached (SFD) and Rental Residential (RR)
- Single Family Attached (SFA) and Rental Residential (RR)
- Commercial for Sale (CM) and Commercial Rental (CR)
Remarks Violations
Certain content in the public remarks (lines 1-3) is prohibited. Although Georgia MLS reserves the right to disallow any content deemed inappropriate, the following categories represent the most common offenses:- Contact Information (websites, email, phone, fax address, etc.)
- Remarks Indicating a listing is unavailable (do not show, unavailable, rented, etc.)
- Details of Compensation to Agent/Broker (commission, incentive, bonus, etc.)
FMLS Rules & Regulations
FMLS
Effective November 27, 2012
These FMLS Rules and Regulations, as may be amended from time to
time, shall be binding upon all Members as a condition of their continued
membership.
Rule 1 - Definitions
Rule 2 - Duties of FMLS Office
Rule 3 - Listings of Properties
Rule 4 - Permitted Exceptions to Exclusive Right to Sell Contract
Rule 5 - Listing of Substantially Similar Properties in Multiple Unit Developments
Rule 6 - Compulsory Listing Area
Rule 7 - Multiple Listing Procedures
Rule 8 - Withdrawals and Extensions of FMLS Listings
Rule 9 - Re-issuance of Listings, Duplicate Listings, Dual Listings and Shadow Listings
Rule 10 - Promotion of Properties Listed with FMLS
Rule 11 - Use and Disclosures of FMLS Content
Rule 12 - Disclosures of FMLS Content by Automated Means (including VOWs)
Rule 13 - IDX Internet Posting of Listings
Rule 14 - Sales of FMLS Listing
Rule 15 - Offers After Expiration or Withdrawal of FMLS Listing
Rule 16 - Fees Due FMLS
Rule 17 - Rental Properties
Rule 18 - FMLS Listing Effective as Provided in the Listing Contract
Rule 19 - Professional Conduct and Responsibility of Members
Rule 20 - Violations of Bylaws and Rules and Regulations
Rule 21 - Specific Penalties for Infractions of Certain FMLS Rules and Regulations
Rule 22 - Availability of FMLS Services to Non-FMLS Members
Rule 23 - FMLS Forms
Rule 24 - FMLS Services
Rule 25 - Calculation of Time
Rule 26 - Interpretation and Amendment of Rules and Regulations
Rule 27 - FMLS Service Marks
Rule 2 - Duties of FMLS Office
Rule 3 - Listings of Properties
Rule 4 - Permitted Exceptions to Exclusive Right to Sell Contract
Rule 5 - Listing of Substantially Similar Properties in Multiple Unit Developments
Rule 6 - Compulsory Listing Area
Rule 7 - Multiple Listing Procedures
Rule 8 - Withdrawals and Extensions of FMLS Listings
Rule 9 - Re-issuance of Listings, Duplicate Listings, Dual Listings and Shadow Listings
Rule 10 - Promotion of Properties Listed with FMLS
Rule 11 - Use and Disclosures of FMLS Content
Rule 12 - Disclosures of FMLS Content by Automated Means (including VOWs)
Rule 13 - IDX Internet Posting of Listings
Rule 14 - Sales of FMLS Listing
Rule 15 - Offers After Expiration or Withdrawal of FMLS Listing
Rule 16 - Fees Due FMLS
Rule 17 - Rental Properties
Rule 18 - FMLS Listing Effective as Provided in the Listing Contract
Rule 19 - Professional Conduct and Responsibility of Members
Rule 20 - Violations of Bylaws and Rules and Regulations
Rule 21 - Specific Penalties for Infractions of Certain FMLS Rules and Regulations
Rule 22 - Availability of FMLS Services to Non-FMLS Members
Rule 23 - FMLS Forms
Rule 24 - FMLS Services
Rule 25 - Calculation of Time
Rule 26 - Interpretation and Amendment of Rules and Regulations
Rule 27 - FMLS Service Marks
1.1 "Affiliated
technology/marketing partner" or "ATMP" shall mean, with regard
to any Member, a person or entity engaged by that Member to assist the Member
in making use of the FMLS Content under the terms permitted in these Rules, and
includes contractors commonly referred to as "Affiliated VOW
Partners" or "AVPs."
1.2 "Automated means" shall have the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(a).
1.3 "Associate Member" shall mean any licensed real estate sales person actively working with a Principal Member. See Section 7.3 of the Bylaws.
1.4 "Board" or "Board of Directors" shall mean the Board of Directors of FMLS.
1.5 "Compulsory listing area" shall mean that geographic area, as fixed from time to time by the Board, within which Members are required to list certain types of properties with FMLS.
1.6 "Contingent contract" shall mean any contract for the purchase of a property listed with FMLS containing any contingency clause other than contingency clauses for a satisfactory inspection of the property or the financing of the purchase of the property.
1.7 "Electronic Means" shall mean an internet website or a mobile device application.
1.8 "Exclusive right to sell contract" shall mean a listing contract for the sale of real property pursuant to which the listing broker is entitled to the agreed commission if the property is sold to anyone within the time period of the contract by any party, or is otherwise entitled to compensation under the contract. An "exclusive right to sell contract" shall have no exclusions except as permitted by Rule 4 below.
1.9 "FMLS computer system" shall mean the computer system and related database maintained by FMLS for the use of its Members.
1.10 "FMLS Content" shall mean any information submitted to FMLS by any Member or otherwise maintained by FMLS in its computer system database (regardless of whether such FMLS content is downloaded to another computer system) or which exists in any compilation or is otherwise reproduced by FMLS for the use of its Members.
1.11 "FMLS listing" shall mean a listing of property which, pursuant to Rule 3 hereof, is required to be or which may be and is listed with FMLS.
1.12 "FMLS office" shall mean FMLS' principal place of business located in
Suite 2081.2 "Automated means" shall have the meaning given to it in Section 12.1(a).
1.3 "Associate Member" shall mean any licensed real estate sales person actively working with a Principal Member. See Section 7.3 of the Bylaws.
1.4 "Board" or "Board of Directors" shall mean the Board of Directors of FMLS.
1.5 "Compulsory listing area" shall mean that geographic area, as fixed from time to time by the Board, within which Members are required to list certain types of properties with FMLS.
1.6 "Contingent contract" shall mean any contract for the purchase of a property listed with FMLS containing any contingency clause other than contingency clauses for a satisfactory inspection of the property or the financing of the purchase of the property.
1.7 "Electronic Means" shall mean an internet website or a mobile device application.
1.8 "Exclusive right to sell contract" shall mean a listing contract for the sale of real property pursuant to which the listing broker is entitled to the agreed commission if the property is sold to anyone within the time period of the contract by any party, or is otherwise entitled to compensation under the contract. An "exclusive right to sell contract" shall have no exclusions except as permitted by Rule 4 below.
1.9 "FMLS computer system" shall mean the computer system and related database maintained by FMLS for the use of its Members.
1.10 "FMLS Content" shall mean any information submitted to FMLS by any Member or otherwise maintained by FMLS in its computer system database (regardless of whether such FMLS content is downloaded to another computer system) or which exists in any compilation or is otherwise reproduced by FMLS for the use of its Members.
1.11 "FMLS listing" shall mean a listing of property which, pursuant to Rule 3 hereof, is required to be or which may be and is listed with FMLS.
1.12 "FMLS office" shall mean FMLS' principal place of business located in
5457 Roswell Road,
Atlanta, Georgia 30342-0128,
or at such other location as
the Board may select from time to time.
1.13 "IDX Display,"
"IDX Content," and "IDX Policies and Procedures Manual"
shall have the meanings given them in Section 13.1.
1.14 "Member" shall
mean each Principal Member of FMLS and each Associate Member of FMLS as those
terms are defined in Sections 7.2 and 7.3 of the Bylaws, and each person acting
on behalf of such Principal Member or Associate Member.
1.15 "Owner" shall
mean the holder, or his duly authorized representative, of the title to real
property listed or to be listed with FMLS.
1.16 "Principal
Member" shall mean a stockholder or subscribing member, as those terms are
defined in Section 7.2 of the Bylaws, and each person authorized to and acting
on behalf of such stockholder or subscribing member.
2.1 To act as a central
processing and distribution point for the benefit of Members.
2.2 To receive listings and
other specified material from Members, process such information and distribute
necessary information to Members.
2.3 To maintain, on a confidential
basis, information and materials related to the business of FMLS. Information
and materials related to the business of FMLS shall be made available to
Principal Members on a uniform and consistent basis.
3.1 All improved and unimproved
real estate listed for sale under an exclusive right to sell contract with a
Principal Member must be listed with FMLS except as provided in Rules 3.2 and
3.3 hereof. All FMLS listings are required to be placed in the proper class of property
and in the actual geographical area in which they are located (Exception: see
Rule 9.4). Members shall make every effort to input accurate listing data into
the FMLS system, including, but not limited to, a list price that represents
the amount the Seller is willing and able to accept given other reasonable
contract terms. Additionally, photos shall not be altered or enhanced in any
way that might misrepresent the property.
3.2 Subject to Rule 3.3 hereof,
the following types of improved or unimproved real estate listed under an
exclusive right to sell contract with a Principal Member may, but are not
required to be, listed with FMLS:
a) Property outside of FMLS'
compulsory listing area.
b) Commercial or industrial
property.
c) New residential dwellings
including condominiums under construction from date of starting until the
interior has been sheet rocked. Note: When the interior of such a residential
dwelling is sheet rocked, such dwelling must be listed with FMLS, except as
provided in Rule 5.
d) Mobile homes if, but only
if, the real property on which the mobile home is situated is included in the
listing.
e) Property listings that offer
no commission (or a commission in the amount of zero) to a cooperating Member.
3.3 Any other provision in
these Rules and Regulations notwithstanding, the following properties cannot be
listed with FMLS:
a) Any property not listed with
a Principal Member.
b) Any property listed with a
Principal Member other than under an exclusive right to sell contract.
c) Any mobile home for sale
separate from the real property on which the mobile home is situated.
d) Any time-sharing property.
e) Any property subject to a
co-listing or joint listing agreement, whether between two Principal Members or
a Principal Member and a non-Member, except on properties located in states
other than Georgia.
4.1 FMLS will accept listings:
a) From businesses which have
purchased houses from transferred employees which provide that the real estate
commission and the prevailing release charge will be waived and the listing
canceled if, but only if, the business sells the property to one of its own
employees, provided that the property has not been shown to the buyer by a
Member during the period of the listing;
b) Subject to an existing
conditional or contingent sales contract; and
c) Which exclude third party
companies in the business of buying homes of transferred employees as potential
purchasers for which a commission would be due.
5.1 In the event that a Member
has an exclusive right to sell listing on a single condominium development (new
condominium project or a condominium conversion) of multiple properties, which
must be listed with FMLS under Rule 3.1 or which may be listed with FMLS under
Rule 3.2, the following provisions shall apply:
a) The Member may list one of
each substantially similar property in the development with FMLS in lieu of
listing each property in the development with FMLS.
b) Each listing, or its
replacement, shall remain in the FMLS computer system throughout the period of
the listing agreement and any extensions thereof until all substantially
similar properties are sold.
c) FMLS shall receive its
normal fee on the sale of each property in the development when that property
has been placed under contract after the interior of the property has been
sheet rocked. (See Rule 3.2.c).
d) The sale of each property in
the development on which an FMLS fee is to be paid shall be entered into the
FMLS computer system by the listing Member at the time of contract acceptance.
Simultaneously the listing Member shall notify the selling Member that an FMLS
fee is due.
e) The determinations of what
constitutes a single development and what constitutes substantially similar
properties shall be made by the Board, the decision of which is final.
f) The Board may require that
the Member periodically submit to FMLS information to be determined by the
Board with respect to properties qualifying for listing under this Rule.
6.1 The geographical area
covered by FMLS is divided into two (2) categories:
a) A compulsory listing area in
which all properties, subject to the provisions of Rules 3 and 4 hereof, must
be listed with FMLS. The compulsory areas are the following counties: Barrow,
Bartow, Cherokee, Chatooga, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Floyd, Forsyth,
Fulton, Gordon, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Jackson, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens,
Polk and Walton.
b) All other areas are
considered non-compulsory. Listings on properties in these areas, subject to
the provisions of Rules 3 and 4 hereof, may be listed with FMLS.
7.1 All FMLS listings must be
entered into the FMLS computer system within forty-eight (48) hours after the
beginning date of the "term" of the listing. No paperwork is required
to be sent to FMLS. Exception: FMLS reserves the right to request submission of
listing agreement(s) in cases of disputes, dual listings, sign rider verbiage
or any other reason to check compliance with FMLS rules. Failure to comply with
a request for submission of listing agreement(s) may result in a fine being
imposed.
7.2 At least one photo must be
entered into the FMLS computer system within forty-eight (48) hours after the
entry date of the listing.
7.3 Any additional information
concerning FMLS listings, including but not limited to changes in price, must
be entered into the FMLS computer system within forty-eight (48) hours of the
owner's notification to the Member of such information. No paperwork is
required to be sent to FMLS.
8.1 Withdrawals
a) The listing Member may
withdraw any active listing by written notification signed by the owner and
Member requesting the withdrawal. FMLS will bill the listing company the $25.00
withdrawal charge.
b) EXCEPTIONS: The $25.00
withdrawal fee will be waived: i) when listings are in the rental class and
active listing "for sale class" simultaneously with the same company,
upon the renting of the property. FMLS must be notified of both FMLS listing
numbers assigned to the property; ii) in accordance with the provisions in Rule
9.3.
8.2 Extensions
a) An FMLS listing may be
extended before its expiration for any length of time by the listing Member by
revising the expiration date in the FMLS computer system. No paperwork is
required to be sent to FMLS.
b) For (30) thirty days after
the listing has expired, the listing member can change the status back to
active for any length of time.
c) An FMLS listing that has
expired for more than thirty (30) days will, upon any re-listing, be treated as
a new FMLS listing and a new listing agreement is required to be submitted to
FMLS.
9.1 Re-issuance of Listings:
Properties listed with FMLS may be assigned new FMLS listing numbers at the
request of the listing Member prior to the expiration of the FMLS listing for a
charge of $25.00 per listing, which will be billed to the listing company.
9.2 FMLS allows only one active
listing for each property with the following exceptions:
a) A Member may have an FMLS
listing placed in one additional property class, in any combination except
Residential-Detached & Residential-Attached. A fee of $35.00 for each
duplicate listing will be billed to the listing company, except for Rental
listings.
b) A fee of $7.00 for each
Rental listing will be billed to the listing company.
9.3 Dual Listings: If the same
listing is entered into FMLS by different brokers, both brokers will be
notified of the existence of a dual listing and the original broker will be
given the opportunity to release the listing. However, if the original listing
broker does not release the listing within 5 business days, and the new broker
has provided a listing agreement and FMLS Form #110 signed by the owner,
showing that the owner has terminated the original listing, the second listing
will be reinstated and the original listing will be withdrawn at no charge.
Exceptions:
a) In situations where the
original listing has been extended without the owner's consent, the second
listing will be immediately reinstated by FMLS upon receipt of form #111 signed
by the owner. The original listing will be withdrawn at no charge.
b) When a change of ownership
(example: a foreclosure) takes place, the second listing will be immediately
reinstated by FMLS upon receipt of form #112 signed by the new owner. The
original listing will be withdrawn at no charge.
9.4 Shadow Listings: FMLS has a
special program for "shadow" listings. This program is for members
who, in an attempt to obtain more traffic and showing activity, desire a
particular listing to show up in Area searches for a different area (adjacent
area) in addition to the one in which the property is actually located. Only
FMLS staff can edit the shadow flag and it can only be done for one adjacent
area per listing. FMLS members may request a shadow listing area by submitting
FMLS Form #115. The fee for a shadow listing is $40.00 which will be billed to
the broker.
10.1 The right to place signs
on properties listed with FMLS is held exclusively by the listing Member through
date of closing.
10.2 Incentives and/or bonuses,
if mentioned, must specify that they will be paid to the "selling
broker", not the "selling agent".
10.3 Reference to square
footage shall not be disclosed or referenced in the FMLS computer system except
for: a) fields specifically provided for square footage in the
Residential-Attached and Residential-Detached property types; and b) square
footage is permitted to appear in the public remarks for the Rental, Multi-Family and Commercial
property types as long as it is stated "approximate square footage".
10.4 Each time a Member or
representative, with the exception of the listing agent, enters an FMLS
property the representative of the member shall leave one, but only one,
business card.
10.5 Except as related to
showing or listing properties for a specific client, any marketing or other
promotional materials (other than internet websites and mobile device
applications, hereafter referred to as Electronic Means) produced or
distributed by any Member which describe or reference listed properties must
correctly state the name of the listing broker of each property. For Electronic
Means guidelines see Rules 12 and 13.
10.6 Except as related to
showing or listing properties for a specific client, any marketing or other
promotional materials, including printed matter, e-mails and internet sites,
produced or distributed by any Member, which describe or reference sold
properties, must not misrepresent the role of said Member in such transaction.
10.7 Promotion in FMLS listings
is intended to be of the property and its attributes only, not self-promotion
of Members, businesses or other entities. Self-promotion includes, but is not
limited to, the insertion of any names, contact information, computer links and
personal or company URL addresses.
a) In particular,
self-promotion and other extraneous information are specifically prohibited in
the following sections of a listing:
1. Photos
i. No text may be superimposed
on photos.
ii. No text may appear in the fields
provided for photos other than for descriptive text of the property's
attributes.
iii. Photos of anything other
than the subject property's attributes are not permitted.
2. Public Remarks
3. Directions
4. Virtual Tours
i. No text may appear in a
Virtual Tour other than for descriptive text of the property's attributes.
ii. No text may be superimposed
on any virtual tour.
b) Attached Documentation must
pertain directly to the subject property.
c) Sketches, drawings and
graphical representations, such as those of new, not yet built properties, may
be used in lieu of a photo but:
1. Must be representative of
the specific listed property
2. No promotional text may be
superimposed or appear in any manner.
10.8 No photographs, videotapes
or motion pictures of the interior of a listed property may be taken without
the express written consent of the listing agent.
11.1 FMLS Members are assigned
a user name and password to access the FMLS computer systems upon submission to
FMLS of a valid Computer User Form signed by the Principal Member. The user
name and password are made available only for the individual member's use. The
individual user is responsible for any misuse or abuse of that access. Any
Member who discloses their password to another person or party, other than a
team member or assistant within that office, is subject to a fine of up to
$1,000 and termination of FMLS services.
11.2 From time to time FMLS
members may be required to accept the FMLS Terms of Use to access the FMLS
website or the FMLS systems. These Terms of Use bind the FMLS Member to accept
and abide by these FMLS Rules & Regulations, which may be amended from time
to time by the Board of Directors.
11.3 When Disclosure of FMLS
Content is Permitted
No Member may disclose any
portion of FMLS Content to any non-Member except if the disclosure happens in a
context where at least one of the following is true:
a) The disclosure is by a
Member to a recipient who is bona fide client or customer of the disclosing
Member, and the disclosure is made for the purpose of advancing the recipient's
decision-making or action with regard to a transaction with which the
disclosing Member is assisting the recipient.
b) The disclosure is an IDX
Display compliant with Rule 13 and the IDX Policies and Procedures Manual.
c) The disclosing Member has
obtained written permission directly from the Member who is the listing broker
for the listing record(s) involved, and the disclosure is within the scope of
that grant of permission.
11.4 Disclosure to Member
Affiliated Technology/Marketing Partners
A Member may disclose the FMLS
Content to an affiliated technology/marketing partner (ATMP) only to the extent
necessary to permit the ATMP to assist the Member in an activity otherwise
permitted to the Member under these Rules and subject to any license agreement
that FMLS imposes on the Member and the ATMP.
11.5 All Other Disclosures
Prohibited
Except as provided in Rule 11.3
and Rule 11.4, no Member may disclose the FMLS Content or any portion of it to
any non-Member. Without limiting the generality of the previous sentence, the
disclosure, redistribution, re-licensing, or resale of the FMLS Content, or any
portion of it, to any person or entity under any conditions and by any means is
strictly prohibited, except as expressly provided in these Rules.
11.6 Portions of FMLS Content
Subject to Restricted Disclosure by Any Means
The restrictions of this
Section 11.6 apply to all disclosures of FMLS Content permitted under these
Rules, including disclosures by traditional means, automated means, and IDX.
a) No Member may disclose any
of the following fields of data to any non-Member under any circumstances:
Showing Instructions
b) No Member may disclose any
of the following fields of data to any non-Member except when (and only to the
extent) required by applicable law or code of ethics:
Binding Agreement Date
Owner Name
Owner Phone
Private Remarks
Selling Commission
Variable Rate Commission
Owner Name
Owner Phone
Private Remarks
Selling Commission
Variable Rate Commission
11.7 Altering Data
No Member shall alter the
content of any listing provided by another Member before disclosing it to a
consumer by any means, including by traditional means, automated means, or IDX.
11.8 Correction of Errors
If a Member discloses the
listing of another Member by any means, whether traditional means, automated
means, or IDX, and the disclosing Member supplements the FMLS Content in the
disclosure with data or material from other sources, the disclosing Member must
be available via the communications methods and addresses on file with FMLS (in
the FMLS roster) to receive comments from the listing broker regarding the
accuracy of the supplemental material and correct any factual error relating to
any specific property within 48 hours of learning of it.
11.9 FMLS Content Subject to
Copyright
All FMLS Content is proprietary
to FMLS and is subject to protection by federal copyright laws. Any display of
FMLS Content, whether by traditional means, automated means, or IDX shall
include on each page a copyright notice in this form: "Copyright xxxx
First MLS" where "xxxx" is replaced with the current year. These
Rules constitute a non-exclusive license, and not an exclusive license or
assignment, to Members to reproduce and display the FMLS Content solely as
expressly permitted in these Rules. Any use for any other purpose is strictly
prohibited.
11.10 FMLS Accuracy Disclaimer
Any display of FMLS Content,
whether by traditional means, automated means, or IDX shall include on each
page a disclaimer of accuracy in this form: "Listing content is believed
accurate but not guaranteed".
11.11 Limiting Number of
Listing Records in Response to an Inquiry
Any display of FMLS Content,
whether by traditional means, automated means, or IDX, shall limit the number
of listing records displayed in response to a single consumer inquiry to 1,000.
11.12 Co-mingled Content
Where listing content from any
source other than FMLS is included on the same page as FMLS Content, the FMLS
Content must be displayed distinctly from the content from other sources, the
FMLS logo must appear within or immediately adjacent to each listing from the
FMLS Content, and an explanation must appear with the FMLS logo indicating that
all listings marked with the FMLS logo come from FMLS.
11.13 Appearance of Disclosures
All notices and disclosures
required by these rules (including those required under Sections 11.9, 11.10,
and 11.12) must appear directly following, and must be at least as prominent in
size, color and other appearance attributes as, the text of the FMLS Content
appearing on the page.
11.14 No Deceptive Displays
No FMLS member may display FMLS
Content so that a reasonable consumer would be deceived regarding the origin of
the listing, the nature of the listing, or any portion of the data in the
listing. No display of FMLS Content relating to the listing of another Broker
may include the branding or logo of the displaying broker inside the body of
the FMLS Content. The "body" of the FMLS Content is a rectangle, the
sides of which are defined by the utmost extent of the FMLS Content (including
all text and images, and image placeholders) in each direction.
12.1 Brokerage Relationship and
Services by Automated Means Permitted
a) "Automated means"
shall mean technology under a Member's control that allows the Member to
interact with any person for purposes of forming a brokerage relationship or
delivering brokerage services without the intervention of a human being. This
includes website and mobile device applications (both referred to hereafter as
“Electronic Means”) commonly referred to as "virtual office websites"
or VOWs.
b) Members may deliver
brokerage services via automated means to customer/clients with whom the
Members have previously established bona fide brokerage relationships, subject
to the requirements of these Rules. A Member providing brokerage services via
automated means may provide other features, information, or functions,
including, for example, IDX Display. Where permitted by applicable law, the
FMLS Board of Directors may prohibit specific automated means if, in the
reasonable judgment of the Board, the means creates unreasonable burdens on
listing Members or a potential for substantial harm to consumers. Prohibited
automated means, if any, shall be identified in these Rules.
c) Members may form brokerage
relationships with customers/clients by automated means, subject to the
requirements of these Rules.
12.2 Requirements to Establish
a Brokerage Relationship by Automated Means
In order for a Member to form a
bona fide brokerage relationship with a customer/client by automated means for
purposes of these Rules, the Member must satisfy each of the following
requirements:
a) The Member must satisfy all
the requirements of state law to establish a brokerage relationship, including
making any applicable disclosures and elections as to form of representation
and entering into any required agreements.
b) The Member must obtain the
name and valid email address for the customer/client and must validate the
email address.
c) If the Member will provide
access to the FMLS Content by automated means, the customer/client must have a
unique user ID and a password to access the automated means. The Member may
supply the user ID and password or allow the customer/client to select them.
The Member must require the customer/client to change his/her password at least
once every 90 days. No customer/client email address may be associated with
more than one user ID.
d) The customer/client must
assent by affirmative means to a terms of use agreement, in order to access the
FMLS Content, that includes at least the following terms:
1) The customer/client
acknowledges entering a brokerage relationship with the Member as a bona fide
customer/client.
2) The customer/client agrees
to make only personal and non-commercial uses of the FMLS Content and only to
advance the customer/client's interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real
estate of the type offered by the Member.
3) The customer/client
acknowledges FMLS's ownership of, and the validity of FMLS's copyright in, the
FMLS Content.
4) Any other terms necessary in
the Member's reasonable judgment and consistent with these Rules.
5) The Member expressly
consents for other Members and FMLS (and their authorized representatives) to
access the Member's automated means for purposes of assessing the Member's
compliance with these Rules.
12.3 Requirements for
Disclosing FMLS Content by Automated Means
Any disclosure of FMLS Content
by automated means must be consistent with Section 11.3 and the requirements of
this Section 12.3:
a) The disclosing Member shall
retain records of the name, email address, user ID, password, and user log of
every recipient of automated disclosures for a period not less than 180 days
after the last disclosure of FMLS Content to the recipient. The user log shall include
a record of each search and record display in which the recipient engages.
b) If FMLS notifies the Member
that FMLS has reason to believe the Member's automated means has caused or
permitted a breach in the security of the FMLS Content, the Member shall
provide the records identified in Section 12.3(a) to FMLS.
c) The Member's automated means
must prominently display or promptly provide specific identification of a mode
of communication (e.g., email, telephone, live chat) by which a consumer can contact
the Member to ask questions or obtain more information about any property
disclosed by the Member's automated means. The disclosing Member or a Member
affiliated with the disclosing Member, must be willing and able to respond
knowledgeably to inquiries from customers/clients about properties the Member's
automated means have disclosed.
d) The Member's automated means
must make reasonable efforts to:
1) assure that the users of the
Member's automated means are human beings and not Internet "robots" or
"spiders" gathering FMLS Content in any automated fashion; and
2) monitor and prevent
misappropriation, "scraping," and other unauthorized use of FMLS
Content disclosed via the Member's automated means.
e) A Member's automated means
shall employ other security measures specified by FMLS, except that FMLS shall
not specify security measures greater than those it uses to protect its own
systems.
f) A Member's automated means
shall not disclose the listing or address of any seller who has requested in writing
on a form approved by FMLS that his/her listing or address be withheld from all
Internet display. In that event, the Member who is the listing broker may not
display the seller's listing or address, or cause either to be displayed,
through any Electronic Means.
g) A Member's automated means
shall not display third-party commentary or reviews regarding a listing or link
to third-commentary or reviews adjacent to the listing of any seller who has
requested in writing on a form approved by FMLS that third-party commentary and
reviews not appear next to his/her listing. This Section does not prevent the
display of comments or reviews that reflect the professional judgment of the
Member disclosing the seller's listing.
h) In the event a seller has
made the election to exclude content next to his/her listing under Section
12.3(g), the Member disclosing the seller's listing may indicate that those
functions are disabled at the request of the seller.
i) Any disclosure of a listing
by automated means must indicate the date the data was last updated from FMLS.
j) Where any FMLS Content is
included in any display (including "thumbnails,"
"one-liners," brief previews, gallery, map or results views, features
or pages), other than in a member's own listing, a legible FMLS logo must
appear within or immediately adjacent to each listing from the FMLS Content,
and an explanation must be provided in the disclosure, that also includes a
legible FMLS logo, stating "Listings marked with the FMLS logo come from
FMLS."
12.4 Notification to FMLS of
Member's Automated Means
Any Member disclosing FMLS
Content by automated means must notify FMLS of the Member's intention to do so
and make the automated means available to FMLS and other Members for purposes
of verifying the disclosing Member's compliance with the Rules.
12.5 Associate Members
Operating Automated Means
An Associate Member may not
disclose FMLS Content by automated means except as provided in this Section. An
Associate Member's Electronic Means may frame or "gateway" into
his/her Principal Member's automated means, provided the Principal Member
approves.
12.6 Members Using Affiliated
Technology/Marketing Partners
Any Member may engage an
Affiliated Technology/Marketing Partner (ATMP) to operate the Member's automated
means of disclosing FMLS Content, subject to Section 11.4 and the following
terms:
a) The ATMP's use may extend
only as necessary to permit the Member to carry out activities expressly
permitted in these Rules.
b) A Member may work with
multiple ATMPs, and an ATMP may work with multiple Members.
c) If FMLS determines in its
reasonable judgment that an ATMP has made use of the FMLS Content beyond the
scope of FMLS's license to the ATMP, FMLS may discontinue any further use by
that ATMP of the FMLS Content and may prohibit use of that ATMP by any Member.
d) If an ATMP's branding or
identity appears on a Member's automated means, it must be presented in such a
way as to convey to the reasonable consumer that the automated means is that of
the Member and that it is the Member, not the ATMP, who is providing brokerage
services to the consumer.
(IDX also known as "Broker
Reciprocity")
13.1 Definitions:
a) "IDX Display"
means display by a Member on its website or through a mobile device application
(hereafter referred to as Electronic Means) of the IDX Content, subject to Rule
13 and the IDX Policies and Procedures Manual. IDX Display constitutes the advertising
of other Members' listings subject to the consent granted by the other Members
under Rule 13.
b) "IDX Content"
means all Active, Contingency with Kickout, Contingency Due Diligence,
Contingency Other and Pending Sale status listings except those where (1) the
listing Member has declined to permit IDX Display of its listings or (2) where
the seller has declined to permit internet display of his/her property for
sale. IDX Content excludes those fields identified as unavailable for IDX
Display in the IDX Policies and Procedures Manual.
c) "IDX Policies and
Procedures Manual" means the document promulgated by FMLS and available on
the FMLS website describing the IDX program of FMLS, and which FMLS may amend
at any time in its discretion. The latest revision date will be posted on the
first page of the Policies and Procedures Manual. Members are responsible for
periodically reviewing the IDX Policies and Procedures Manual on the FMLS
website in order to ensure their compliance with the current requirements.
13.2 FMLS permits Members to
use IDX Displays subject to Rule 13, provided that the display is only for real
estate brokerage purposes and not for any other ancillary businesses or for any
other purpose. In order to obtain the listings and display them on the
Internet, Members must comply with Rule 13 as well as the IDX Policies and
Procedures Manual.
13.3 Members who operate an IDX
Display must update the IDX Content on it at least once every three (3) days.
13.4 Listing Member's Consent
to IDX Display Presumed
Each Member is presumed to
consent to IDX Display of that Member's listings by other Members in a manner
consistent with Rule 13 and the IDX Policies and Procedures Manual, unless the
member opts out of IDX display by the means provided by FMLS. Members who
choose to exclude their listings from IDX Display by other Members may not use
IDX Displays of the listings of other Members.
13.5 Required Internet Posting
Disclosures. Each member's Electronic Means must be identified with the
Member's brokerage name, contact information and branding in accordance with
the guidelines promulgated by the Georgia Real Estate Commission. A Member's
IDX Display must additionally make certain FMLS disclosures whenever it
includes a listing for which another Member is the listing broker. The required
FMLS disclosures must immediately follow the FMLS listing content and include a
statement identifying the listing company name, an IDX disclosure of origin and
an FMLS copyright notice. These disclosures must be displayed and/or disclosed
in, but not limited to, all thumbnail, one-line, map, gallery, photo,
mouse-overs, balloon, pop-ups and detail listing displays, in the manner
described in the FMLS IDX Policies and Procedures Manual.
13.6 Nothing contained in this Rule
13 prohibits or should be interpreted to prohibit or discourage any comparative
or other advertising, marketing or promotional materials that any Member may
wish to use or distribute. Provided, however, that no Member is authorized to
reproduce or otherwise use any IDX Content, FMLS logo, trademark, or service
mark, whether registered or unregistered, in any such comparative advertising,
marketing or promotional materials, except as expressly permitted in these
rules.
13.7 Associate Members may
display IDX Content only if the conditions set out in the IDX Policies and
Procedures Manual are met, including without limitation:
a) The Associate Member's
Principal Member must be contributing its listings to the IDX Content.
b) The Associate Member selects
one of three available options for display of IDX Content on his/her Electronic
Means :
1. The Associate Member's
Electronic Means can frame or "gateway" into his/her Principal
Member's Electronic Means .
2. The Associate Member may
subscribe to the FMLS IDX Search Engine service with written permission from
his/her Principal Member.
3. The Associate Member may
contract with an FMLS Approved Data Vendor (ADV) for displaying IDX Content on
individual agent websites with written permission from his/her Principal
Member.
c) The Associate Member's
Electronic Means and the pages that display any IDX Content or search criteria
that will result in the display of IDX Content must at all times identify the
Associate Member's Principal Member according to the guidelines promulgated by
the Georgia Real Estate Commission.
13.8 Members may provide the
IDX Content to consultants or independent contractors only under the conditions
outlined in the IDX Policies and Procedures Manual.
14.1 The execution of any
contract (including contingency contracts) for the sale of any property listed
with FMLS shall be reported to FMLS by entry into the FMLS computer system by
the listing Member within three (3) business days after the buyer and seller
execute the sales contract. In addition, the selling Member shall report the
execution of any such contract by filing the appropriate form with FMLS within
three (3) business days after execution of such contract.
14.2 A copy of the completed
sales agreement shall be delivered to any cooperating Member within one (1) day
after signatures of both buyer and seller are obtained.
14.3 FMLS shall in no way be
involved in determining compensation charged by real estate brokerage firms or
the commission split between cooperating real estate brokerage firms.
15.1 In the event that a Member
has shown a client a property under an FMLS listing with another Principal
Member and secures an offer from the same client after the FMLS listing has
expired or been withdrawn, the following procedures shall govern:
a) If the property has not been
re-listed by any real estate firm on an exclusive basis within ninety (90) days
after expiration or withdrawal of the FMLS listing but is on an "open
listing" status, then the offer must be presented through the firm that had
the FMLS listing at the time the property was originally shown.
15.2 When a property is listed
by a Principal Member and a contract presented within ninety (90) days after
expiration is accepted, providing the buyer was introduced to the property
prior to its expiration, a fee shall be due FMLS from the selling and listing
Principal Member, according to the FMLS fee schedule, when the property closes.
15.3 When a property is listed
by a Principal Member and a contract presented within ninety (90) days after
withdrawal of the listing is accepted, providing the buyer was introduced to
the property prior to its withdrawal, a fee shall be due FMLS from the selling
and listing Principal Member, according to the FMLS fee schedule, when the
property closes.
16.1 Upon the sale of each FMLS
listing, Principal Members shall submit to FMLS via fax (404-255-8602) OR email
(closingdocs@fmls.com) within
three (3) business days of closing: (a) a copy of the first two pages of the
HUD closing statement; and (b) the completed FMLS Notice of Closing form
(#118). Note: Either fax or email, not both.
16.2 All fees due FMLS,
incurred by a member during a given month, shall be due and payable by the 15th
of the following month.
16.3 The fees due FMLS shall be
determined in accordance with the FMLS charges schedule established by the
Board and FMLS's Bylaws.
16.4 When an agent is
affiliated with both a member company and a non-member company and sells a
property listed in FMLS, the member company will be charged a fee upon closing
of the sale.
17.1 Any other provision in
these Rules and Regulations notwithstanding, Principal Members may input in the
FMLS system under the Rental classification, all properties listed for rent.
17.2 The charge for this
transaction is invoiced to each member office at the end of the month in which
it was entered into the computer system. There is no paperwork required to be
sent to FMLS after entering these listings. If they are leased during the
listing period, the status must be modified to "Leased". Two years
after expiration or withdrawal, listings will be purged from the computer
system. Leased listings will be purged ten years after the lease date. Consult
the FMLS charges sheet for the current input fee on Rental Properties.
At such time as any listing
contract is signed (Agreement Date), the property is considered filed with FMLS.
Should the property be sold before the listing is entered into the FMLS
computer system or sent to FMLS, the sale must be reported as an FMLS sale and
any FMLS fee must be paid.
19.1 All Members of FMLS shall
observe all Rules and Regulations now in effect or that may from time to time
be adopted. To the extent any provision of these rules and regulations is
inconsistent, or in conflict, with the Substantive Regulations promulgated from
time-to-time by the Georgia Real Estate Commission ("GREC"), the
Substantive Regulations of the GREC shall control. It shall be the duty of
every Principal Member to instruct thoroughly its own sales staff and office
personnel with regard to Rules and Regulations. The Principal Member shall be
responsible for any violation of these Rules and Regulations by any person
acting on its behalf.
19.2 The Board shall receive
and consider complaints on matters pertaining to Rules and Regulations in
accordance with the procedures set forth herein.
19.3 It shall be the duty of
every Member to report to the Board any breach of these Rules and Regulations.
19.4 Principal Members may join
FMLS as proprietorships, partnerships, corporations or in any other form of
business organization lawful under the laws of the State of Georgia. Any such
business entity and all persons acting on its behalf are subject to these Rules
and regulations. Any violations of these Rules and Regulations by such business
entity or any person acting on its behalf shall be deemed a violation on the
part of the Principal Member, and such Principal Member shall be held
responsible for such violation.
19.5 FMLS may, at the
discretion of its Board, from time-to-time, require FMLS Members to submit
information to FMLS that is reasonably necessary for the conduct of FMLS'
business. Failure to submit such information on a timely basis may subject FMLS
members to sanctions permitted under Rules 20 and 21, at the Board's
discretion.
20.1The Board may, by majority
vote, take action against any Member for violation of any Bylaw or Rule or
Regulation of FMLS or for failure by any Member to continue to qualify for FMLS
membership. The action may include, but is not limited to, fines, suspension of
FMLS' services, expulsion from FMLS or restricting the continuation of FMLS'
services upon certain conditions.
20.2 If the Board finds that a
Member's violation of the Rules and Regulations or Bylaws or failure to qualify
for membership poses an immediate and serious threat to FMLS, the Board may
take action immediately upon oral notification to the offending Member. The
Board may consult by telephone in such cases, whether or not by conference
call. In such cases, the Member subject to such immediate action will receive
immediate written notice of the reasons for the action, which notice will offer
the opportunity to present reasons for withdrawal of the sanctions pursuant to
Rule 20.4 hereof.
20.3 In all cases where the
Board does not proceed under Rule 20.2, the Board shall, before taking final
action, send to such Member a written notice describing the alleged violation
and offering such Member an opportunity to present its position. The notice
shall offer reasonable opportunity for response, and must be delivered at least
five (5) days before the meeting of the Board at which action with respect to
the offending Member may be taken.
20.4 Upon receipt of the notice
described in Rules 20.2 or 20.3, such Member may present reasons why sanctions
are unwarranted or improper. Such Member must deliver those reasons in writing
to the FMLS office not more than three (3) days after receipt of the notice
described in Rules 20.2 or 20.3. Such Member's statement may include a request
for an opportunity to appear before the Board. Upon receipt of the Member's
statement, FMLS will inform the Member of the time and place of any meeting of
the Board to consider the proposed action. In any case where the offending
member's services have been limited, suspended or withdrawn as a result of
immediate action under Rule 20.2, the Board will meet to consider the offending
Member's position as soon as practicable, but not more than five (5) business
days after the receipt of the written statement from the offending Member
requesting such a meeting. Failure of a Member who has received notice under
either Rules 20.2 or 20.3, to present a timely statement of the Member's
position, may be deemed a waiver of any disagreement with any imposition of
sanctions. Failure to request an appearance before the Board in a timely
fashion waives such an appearance. The Board may, in its discretion, impose
reasonable time limits and other procedural requirements for the conduct of
such meetings.
20.5 The decision by the Board
on disciplinary matters is final.
20.6 The authority of the Board
to impose sanctions under this rule may be delegated by the Board to the
President of FMLS.
21.1 The following specific
penalties, in lieu of those set forth in Rule 20, may be imposed by the Board
for infractions of certain rules and Regulations:
a) A penalty not to exceed
$25.00 per day (up to a maximum of $500.00) may be imposed on the listing
Principal Member for failure to input a listing into the FMLS computer system
as required by these Rules and Regulations.
b) A penalty not to exceed
$25.00 per day (up to a maximum of $500.00) may be imposed on (i) the listing
Principal Member for failure to report to FMLS by entry into the FMLS computer
system the sale or pending sale of any listing as required by Rule 14.1, and/or
(ii) the selling Principal Member for failure to report to FMLS on the
appropriate form the sale or pending sale of any listing as required by Rule
14.1.
c) If a Principal Member fails
to pay any fine imposed pursuant to this Rule within one month of the date due,
the Board may suspend FMLS' services to such Principal Member until all fines
are paid in full or other arrangements satisfactory to the Board are made.
d) Repeated willful violations
of any provision of subparagraphs (a) through (c) of this Rule are subject to
the penalties prescribed in Rule 20.
e) A fine not to exceed five
hundred ($500.00) may be imposed in connection with any one violation of
subparagraphs (a) through (c) of this Rule.
The Board may, in its
discretion, from time to time make FMLS' services, including but not limited to
computer services and lockbox keys, available to third parties that provide
auxiliary services to FMLS' members. In such event, the Board shall charge the
third parties for FMLS' services an amount sufficient to provide a reasonable
return to FMLS above its cost of providing such services.
FMLS provides a variety of
forms to its Members for their use in connection with FMLS activities. The
purpose of these forms is to facilitate the orderly input of information from
Members to FMLS. In order to insure the orderly and efficient operation of
FMLS, the Board may insist that Members utilize only FMLS forms.
Principal Members may not use
FMLS services in connection with any business entity that is not itself an FMLS
member.
In calculating any time
limitations set forth in these Rules and Regulations, including violations and
penalties, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are excluded.
The interpretation of the Rules
and Regulations by the Board is final. The Rules and Regulations may be amended
at any time and from time to time by the Board of Directors.
FMLS hereby grants to each
Member as a privilege of membership, a nonexclusive, nontransferable and
revocable license to use any present or future FMLS service marks (the
"Marks") in connection with such Member's activities as a member of
FMLS. Any use of the Marks by a Member shall be in accordance with the Rules
and Regulations as in effect from time to time and any such use shall
constitute acceptance of these conditions. Member further acknowledges the
ownership in FMLS of the Marks and agrees that it will do nothing inconsistent
with such ownership and that all uses of the Marks by Member shall inure to the
benefit of and be on behalf of FMLS. This revocable license may be terminated
by FMLS for a violation of this Rule and it shall terminate automatically when
any Member ceases to be a Member for whatever reason.
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