Expert: Jessica Bryan - 6/8/2006

Question
Hi,
I recently found out that my name showed as the listing agent on the MLS for a property in Los Angeles, CA. The property is already sold 3 months ago, but I was never involved in this transaction. I contacted the escrow company who handled the transaction and apparantly another agent from my company was on the purchase contract. I want to find out why was my name and license number listed on the MLS report/listing? How can that happen wihout my knowledge? Is this maybe a computer or entry mistake? I checked the other agent's license status, and everything seems to be fine, and his license number is not even similar to mine in anyway. Is this an MLS violation if it was done intentionally? Am I entitled to any of the commission if my name appears on the MLS report as the listing agent? and not purchase contract? How could thisbenefit the other agent assuming it was done on purpose? Who do I need to contact to investigate this matter since my company doesn't take this very serious? Thanks
Alex

Answer
Dear Alex;
There was probably a typo when the person was entering the MLS information.  If someone from your company enters all of the listings perhaps they were distracted and input the wrong information. It is not serious and you can certianly call MLS to correct the error.  I am sure you realize that commissions and compensation are only paid when you are involved in a transaction and not because of an improper entry on MLS!  We all work hard for our commissions and it would not make any sense to give them away because of an error like this.  There is no benefit to anyone to have your name on the listing.  However, why don't you simply ask the other agent why your name was on the listing information and why the agent allowed it to remain on it.  It seems strange that the error wasn't caught by someone when the negotiations were going on since most agents that see a listing and show a listing are quite aware of who the listing agent is. Then they contact this agent when they present an offer.
I hope that a few simple phone calls resolve this issue for you so you can resolve your concerns.
Sincerely,
Jessica Bryan
Managing Broker
House to Home Realty Services