Compliance software is serious business for MLSs across the nation. It is the keynote of ensuring data integrity and rules compliance in MLS systems that have far too many listings for manual staff supervision. These systems are complex, allowing the MLS to configure playbooks for different types of violations on both images and imputed text. Examples include things like people or yard signs in images, or description text that includes unpermitted language.
Beyond vendor selection, there is a clear message from SDMLS CEO, Saul Klein that partnering with other MLS operators on technology is a keynote of his administration akin to efforts by other MLSs partnering on software services with The MLS Grid, The MLS Alliance, The Broker Public Portal, Nestfully, Remine, and so on.
Press release follows.
San Diego MLS Selects VestaPlus to Increase Data Integrity and Add AI Compliance with Checkmate
Checkmate detects words and photos that violate NAR Settlement terms
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – July 22, 2024 – VestaPlus™ LLC, the software development division of The MLS™ is introducing vital compliance functionality to satisfy the commission settlement on buyer agent compensation. MLSs and Associations across the country are looking for solutions to automatically detect and remediate non-compliant listing descriptions and photos that run afoul of the MLS rules. The San Diego MLS identified this as a key benefit to selecting Checkmate™ as their replacement compliance tool.
“Our vendor selection process for compliance was rigorous,” says Saul Klein, CEO of the San Diego MLS (SDMLS). “VestaPlus has a solid reputation for excellent software development and service. By our assessment, Checkmate is the best application in the industry, and will enable us to support our brokers and agents as we endeavor to comply with the new settlement terms.”
“The flexibility in working with VestaPlus is in line with what you would expect from a peer MLS” continued Klein. “Our existing compliance contract will be in place for another year, but VestaPlus was willing to activate the AI photo compliance functionality while we finish out our other contract, then move seamlessly into the full Checkmate product suite. The concept of collaborating with other MLSs is a key strategy for us today and in the future.”
SDMLS will be able to manage rule violations on data and photos with detection, corrections, training, appeals, invoicing, and online payments in a single solution. This is a unique workflow solution offered only by Checkmate today. Additional features include tiered fines, tracking agent violations, and the ability to recognize agents that have no compliance issues. Billing and payment management were not features of their legacy system.
Checkmate will be customized for SDMLS to match its rules and requirements, incorporating new AI photo compliance capabilities designed to detect violations in property photos covering around 2500 active listings on behalf of about 12,000 participants and subscribers. SDMLS staff will benefit from viewing all current violations and statuses in one easy report, including a comprehensive case detail page that includes public record data and MLS property data at the time the violation was detected along with the agent violation history.
Annie Ives, CEO of VestaPlus™, shared, “The removal of offers of compensation from MLS represents a watershed moment of change for our industry. As an MLS operator and vendor, it is vitally important that we implement new compliance tools that will enable the transition for real estate agents and brokers in the best possible way. We are anxious to partner with our MLS peers to implement these services for the benefit of our industry professionals.”
About San Diego MLS®
San Diego MLS provides comprehensive MLS services to support nearly 12,000 real estate agents and brokers operating across San Diego County, California and the wider Southern California Region.
About VestaPlus™ MLS Software Solutions
VestaPlus, LLC is a leading provider of MLS software solutions, recognized for its commitment to innovation, advanced functionality, and exceptional user experience. A wholly owned and operated subsidiary of The MLS™/CLAW, VestaPlus offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that includes VestaPlus MLS system, VestaPlus Pro™ mobile, Neighborhood Snapshot™, ShowingsPlus™, TechAssistLine™ and Checkmate™ Listing Violation Detection. For more information, please visit vestaplus.net, call 855.580.0068, or email sales@vestaplus.net.
