Inman

Realtor group launches MLS rule-compliance software

The National Association of Realtors’ technology center on Friday announced the launch of PolicyPage, an Internet compliance software application that scans Web sites for compliance with Multiple Listing System display policies.

PolicyPage is available from the Center for Realtor Technology at no charge to Realtors for use or licensing of the application, according to the announcement.

CRT developed PolicyPage to assist MLSs that review Web sites manually for compliance. “PolicyPage simplifies and speeds the review of members’ Web sites, provides objective standards, can be tailored to local policies and includes NAR model rules for Internet display,” according to the announcement.

Mark Lesswing, NAR vice president and director of CRT, said in a statement that the program “reduces the burden of making sure member sites comply with MLS policy. The application does this in an automated fashion, supports multiple browsers used by members, and can be customized to local rules. It is able to check for disclosure statements, copyright statements and display of logos on member sites. Future releases of PolicyPage are planned to include checks for appropriate listing usage and searches for improper outside use of MLS information.”

The application can be set up to notify members of search results by e-mail, with a notice of successful compliance or failure, details of causes of failures, and the option of including references to specific policies. PolicyPage is bundled with NAR-model Internet display policies, which can be modified to meet member needs.

New features included in version 1.0 include the capability to review Web sites in batch mode when the user is not online, the ability to review graphics, and simplified installation that will allow a wide variety of uses. More information about PolicyPage is available online at http://www.realtor.org/crtweb.nsf/pages/CRTPolicyPage?OpenDocument.

NAR’s Center for Realtor Technology provides technology guidance and assistance for NAR members, and makes available its industry insight, research and open-source applications to members of the trade group.

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