Redfin blogging about property is a newer company using a newer concept. People like it. I sure wish I could do it. What’s the harm? the owner gets exposure. I do think they really can’t say anything bad about the house, but if they are saying, “WOW, this is a great house!” and showing photos that people can see on the IDX feed anyway…isn’t that being nit picky to say they can’t.

But I do think that copyrighted materials and the rules of membership should be respected. It is very telling if a certain company continually flaunts and breaks the rules. I think most thoughtful people would agree that if one doesn’t like the rules of an organization, one should either not belong, join and attempt to change the rules, or quit and start their own organization. I think that’s more honorable than using the organization for ones needs and abuse the rules of membership, then threaten the organization with a lawsuit if not allowed to continue to break the rules that are there specifically to keep the playing field level and fair to all.

And if it is perceived that ONLY the innovative companies are “breaking the rules”, how do you explain stopping newer companies from using newer technologies in a Consumer-Centric way?

When does Traditional have to stand aside, and let something new happen, for a change.

Would LOVE to hear from the attorneys on this one.

I’ve found with the minor infractions that it doesn’t hurt to sometimes contact agents directly about the issues. In some cases people are just so new they can’t keep track of all the regulations. Other times it is people knowingly flaunting the rules. Thankfully, in most cases people thank me for making them aware of the problem before someone else – and particularly the NWMLS. If you have any issues with directional signs you can report those directly to the SKCAR office – they have a self-policing policy on that issue and they work with the area cities to keep sign ordinances followed. I’m on a couple of the committees at SKCAR and signs are a constant problem. With each city having their own sign codes and issues with agents (just ask anyone doing business in Redmond) it can be a real drag when a few dirty the pool for the rest of us.

I believe the reason for the crack-down and stricter enforcement is because certain companies are flaunting the rules, advertising other agents listings on their blogs, listing “days on market” against MLS rules and such, and they do not want to selectively enforce the rules, as some of these rule-breaking companies are quick to scream “unfair!” to the media.

I’ve noticed stricter enforcement as well. Welcome news.

I’d be interested in other’s experiences reporting violations. I’ve always held my tongue regarding minor infractions like not leaving biz cards, not posting primary photos, use of directional signs though I have reported a couple instances, prior to the CDOM change, of agents relisting without a significant price change or update.