By John Ketchum, 2025 Heartland MLS President
In today’s fast-moving real estate market, the strength of the MLS is built on the accuracy and completeness of the data it holds. Every property listing is more than just an entry—it’s a source of information that guides buyers, sellers and agents in making informed decisions.
More than a handful of times in my career, I have witnessed data errors result in legal disputes and complaints passed on to KREC/MREC from impacted buyers and sellers. While “our data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed” is a safety valve to ensure that agents are fact-checking, listing agents should not breeze through these important fields. I’ve seen lawsuits regarding builder warranty representations, and even one where the “sewer” field was marked “city,” when it was actually on a very old septic system. Ensuring precise and comprehensive data input at the point of listing entry is crucial to maintaining the strength of the MLS.
Even minor data errors can lead to significant disclosure concerns. A small mistake in square footage, existing warranty offers, zoning or property features can create legal liabilities, erode consumer trust, and cause unnecessary disputes between parties. Accuracy from the outset helps protect agents and their clients from potential misrepresentation issues.
Additionally, high-quality data input translates into powerful, visual insights. Today’s best MLS platforms generate market trends, heat maps and automated valuations that depend on the quality of the underlying data. When listing details are precise and thorough, these insights become more reliable, which then helps you better serve your clients and positions the MLS as an indispensable resource.
Lastly, accurate and comprehensive data enhances the overall value of the MLS itself. A well-maintained MLS isn’t just a database—it’s the foundation of an efficient, transparent and highly functional marketplace. When users can trust the integrity of the information, the system becomes more valuable for all participants and subscribers, reinforcing its role as the definitive source of real estate data.
In the end, every listing input contributes to the collective strength of the MLS. By prioritizing accuracy and completeness, we ensure that our MLS remains a trusted and invaluable asset for the entire real estate community.
