I am reaching out today to discuss a challenge with NJMLS.

NJMLS will fine you/us for reporting status changes late (such as ARIP, U/C & Closing dates) and for not listing the required properties at all.

Fines escalate when multiple offenses occur within the same month, therefore, the fines on the listings for those agents who are not NJMLS members become my fines (as the listing agent), so I get fined for multiple offenses even though the violations are from various, non-member agents. When this happens, there is no way of knowing or tracking which agents caused the escalation in the fine amounts.

Due to this challenge, we are now requiring that agents join NJMLS once they incur two fines.

You still can use Joan Cohen, Chrissie Glancy or Precision Leverage Management to input your listings, but it is your responsibility to send the status change information to them in a timely manner. One way to think about this is, when the GSMLS is updated, the NJMLS needs to be updated, too. However, if you are late to update the GSMLS and that’s your reminder to update NJMLS, NJMLS may still fine you.

I will post more information in the Broker's Corner (on our website) about NJMLS training and regulations so you can all stay abreast of their requirements.

Here is the new rule for your reference:

Section 9.1

Violations of Rules and Regulations

In any instance where a Participant in an association multiple listing service is charged with a violation of the MLS bylaws or rules and regulations of the service, and such charge does not include alleged violations of the Code of Ethics or the Standards of Conduct for MLS Participants, or a request for arbitration, the Service may impose administrative sanctions. Recipients of more than 5 category 1 administrative sanctions/rule violations, more than 3 category 2 administrative sanctions/rule violations, or more than 3 category 3 administrative sanctions/rule violations will be required to attend a hearing of the Rules Committee of the MLS. The Rules Committee shall consist of at least two members of the NJMLS Board of Directors and one member of the NJMLS Technology Committee. The Service will send a copy of all administrative sanctions/violations against a Subscriber to the Subscriber’s Participant and the Participant will be required to attend the hearing of a Subscriber. Failure to attend a hearing within 30 days of receiving written notice of a required hearing may result in Participant’s and Subscriber’s suspension of membership in the Service. Category 1 violation means a rule violation related to listing information provided by Participant or Subscriber. Category 2 violation means a rule violation relating to IDX and VOW displays. Category 3 violation means a rule violation relating to cooperation with a fellow Participant or Subscriber, and mandatory submission of listing to the service.

Thank you for your cooperation,

NJMLS Support