Keeping Our Data Accurate: September 2026 Rules Enforcement Update

Oct 5

2 min read

The integrity of WVMLS data is what makes our marketplace THE trusted resource for real estate professionals and consumers alike. To help everyone stay compliant and avoid common pitfalls, we are sharing a snapshot of the most frequent rules enforcement warnings issued in the month of September 2026.

By understanding where others have run into trouble, you can ensure your listings remain accurate, professional, and fine-free.

The Numbers at a Glance

Last month, the membership support team issued warnings across several categories. While many of these are simple clerical errors, they can have a significant impact on how other members search for and find your listings.

Top 3 Areas for Improvement

1. Geographic Accuracy (Wrong Area/Type)

With 9 recorded warnings, this remains our most common challenge. Whether it’s selecting "Polk County" instead of "Marion County" or marking Area 40 when it should be 50, these errors make it difficult for buyer’s agents to set up accurate automated searches for their clients. More importantly, misidentifying a property type such as Residence vs. Manufactured could result in real-world liability for both Members and the MLS.

Pro-Tip: Double-check your address against previous listings to verify the Area or use the Area Boundaries map here.

2. Listing Status Not Updated

We issued 6 warnings for Listings Statuses Not Updated.

Status Reminder: When a property goes under contract or sells, the status must be updated within the required timeframe (within two business days.)

3. Photo Violations

There were 6 warnings for Photo Violations

Be Aware Of New AI-Altered/Staging Rules: Photos staged with AI must only add furnishings or decor and must not depict improvements, finishes or features. Make sure to double check the image the AI outputs to ensure accuracy, also don't forget to watermark with "Virtually Staged" to stay compliant.

Why It Matters

When our data is clean, everyone wins. It means fewer phone calls to clarify details, better stats and more accurate "Hot Sheets," and a better experience for the clients we serve.

If you ever have a question about a specific rule or how to input a unique property, don't hesitate to reach out to WVMLS. We are here to help you get it right the first time!

Note: WVMLS has a “warn-on-first-offense” policy, but all of these would be finable offenses if repeated.