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Rule 12.16

12.16 Use of Active Listing Information on Internet (IDX). Subject to paragraphs (a) through (f) below, and notwithstanding anything in these rules and regulations to the contrary, participants and subscribers may display on their public websites aggregated MLS active listing information as outlined by the Sandicor Board of Directors, through either downloading and placing the data on the participant or subscriber’s public access websites or by framing such information on the MLS or association public access website (if such a site is available).  Such use of information pertains to active listings only and shall exclude all other statuses for public display. 

(a) The listing brokers’ consent for such internet displays is presumed, in satisfaction of Sandicor Rule 12.8, unless a listing broker affirmatively notifies Sandicor that the listing broker refuses to permit display on either on a blanket or on a listing-by listing basis.  Listing brokers that refuse to permit other MLS participants or subscribers to display their listing information on a blanket basis may not display MLS active listing information of other brokers’ listings; 

(b) Participants and subscribers may display the address field as well as the physical characteristics of listings; however participants and subscribers may not display confidential information fields as determined by Sandicor, such as that information intended for cooperating brokers rather than consumers; 

(c) All listings on a participant or subscriber’s site displayed by framing or other electronic means, shall identify the name of the listing firm in a manner designed to easily identify such listing firm; 

(d) Participants and subscribers shall not modify the information displayed pursuant to these Sandicor MLS rules and regulations; 

(e) Information displayed shall indicate the source of the information being displayed and the most recent date updated.  Participants and subscribers shall update all downloads and refresh all data at least once every seven (7) days; 

(f) Sharing of the MLS compilation with any third party not authorized by Sandicor is prohibited.  Participants and subscribers shall indicate on their websites that the information being provided is for consumer’s personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing;

(g) Listing or property addresses of sellers who have directed their listing brokers to withhold their listing or their property address from display on the Internet shall not be accessible via IDX sites. This does not preclude listing Participants or Subscribers from displaying on their IDX sites or their other website(s) the listing or property address of consenting sellers.

(h) No portion of the MLS database shall be distributed, provided to or made accessible to any person except as provided for in these rules.

(i)When displaying listing content, a Participant’s or Subscriber’s website must clearly identify the name of the brokerage firm under which they operate in a readily visible color and typeface.

12.16.1 Virtual Office Websites (VOW) Virtual Office Websites are a means by which broker participants conduct business electronically through the Internet.  Virtual Office Websites (VOW) provide targeted listings to bonafide prospective clients and are subject to the existing Sandicor policies on reproduction of MLS information.  Prior to disseminating listing information, broker participants operating a VOW must make reasonable efforts to identify prospective clients to ensure that listings provided reasonably relate to the prospective clients stated interests.  After reasonable efforts have been made to identify the prospective client, the participant shall issue a password so that the client may retrieve the listing information outlined in their search criteria.  All listings included in the Sandicor database are eligible for reproduction on VOW.