Okanagan Shuswap Real Estate

Top 10 Data Problems in Okanagan Shuswap Listings and what they mean to Buyers and Sellers

I wanted to share this list I got from OMREB, our local real estate board about the Top 10 Data integrety issues they hear about from local real estate listings posted on MLS:

1. “For sale” signs in the listing photos - showing advertising
2. Multi-level homes listed with the total square footage - all showing on the main floor
3. “No Showings Until” posted in Comments
4. Unfinished floor area being counted as finished square footage
5. Incorrect P.I.D #
6. Partial Seller Names
7. Wrong Sub Area 
8. Wrong Type of Dwelling
9. Contact information included in the Public Remarks
10. NOT including bathrooms as a room - causing an inaccurate count of bathrooms *

Now - these things certainly can effect you as a potential buyer or seller. Some moreso than others.

If the for sale sign is in the picture - that does not really impact you - that is compliance issue. Things like incorrect reporting of the square footage on multi-level homes is a BIG deal - because not only to Buyers often search by square footage - Realtors do too! This means people who are looking for a home with multiple levels are NOT being exposed to yours.

 The "No showings until" is another compliance issue - If a home can not be viewed, according to the Board, it is NOT for sale, and the listing should not be ACTIVE.Sometimes Realtors have been known to do this to try to set up a "frenzy" ...also they have been known to STACK appointments so that it looks like there is a lot of keen interest in the home. The goal herer is to create "Buyer Urgency." I have seen this before, but not lately.

Unfinished floor area being counted as square footage - Yes - this happens. Sometimes I think it comes down to a judgement call as to how important this is.. but there are guidelines (and we will cover that in a separate post)

Having the incorrect P.I.D.(Property Identification) number is HUGE! This can cause a massive problem on closing day.  When we prepare an offer for a BUYER, much of the data will transfer from the listing if we enter in the MLS number.... Each parcel of land in BC has a unique number that identifies it and links it to it's legal description. You want to make sure that you are BUYING the right ONE! This can cause problems on closing day  and stress that no one needs. Ensure your Realtor compares the information with a copy of the TITLE of the property you are buying.

Partial seller names... well.. as a buyer - that is not a real concern. As a Realtor, That is another biggie -and again this information should be caught by comparing the listing to the TITLE.

Wrong Dwelling type - Really. Yes it happens. And it skews search results. Meaning that Buyers and Realtors searching will miss being exposed to a Sellers property. This is a BIG DEAL.

Wrong SUB area - this happens A LOT. Sometimes on purpose - where properties are placed in areas that are "more popular" and sort of near... wink wink, nudge nudge, to enhance the property viability. It also happens because Realtors may not take the time to consult with the Board defined areas. In areas where new development has taken place.. (Think Turtle Mountain) there is a variety of sub areas that are applied - and none that adequately identify where it actually is... Alexis Park? Vernon City? (I am lobbying for a new neighbourhood)

Realtors entering their contact information is permitted in the "internet" remarks, but not in the "public remarks"... Does it affect you as a buyer or seller? That depends on your views on DUAL Agency. ( a can of worms we will talk about in a later post)

AND lastly not including bathrooms as a room.... Think about the questions that you might ask to narrow down the property search (currently ove 1800 residential listings...) almost always, in looking for a home - buyers and Realtors will include a number or a range.. (1-3) in that field... so if the bathroom is missing as a room.. it is not showing up in the list of potential properties.. pretty important I would say!

For Sellers - Check your listing! Make sure your representative has captured everything correctly. For Buyers -if you are not finding what you want.. maybe try a new search to expand your search parameters. If you find errors Report them. Realtors... do it right the first time. If you make a mistake - fix it, quick!

If you or anyone you know is looking for real estate services, I'd love to help.