Data Integrity, Fines, and Why Accuracy Protects Us All

In her February update, 2026 Southwest MLS President Teri Hatcher addresses a topic that has recently sparked questions among brokers: MLS fines. With a noticeable increase in fines, Teri brings clarity to the why, the how, and most importantly, how to avoid them.

First, she makes one thing clear. The increase in fines is not about targeting members, and fines are not a revenue strategy. In fact, they are not even built into the budget. The real reason behind the increase is simple: SWMLS now has the staff and systems in place to audit more MLS data. Stronger oversight means stronger data, and accurate data impacts everything from appraisals and market statistics to broker reports and the overall credibility of our marketplace.

Teri also walks through how the process actually works. Every potential issue begins with a violation warning. The most common example is a listing that has passed its pending date. A warning is not a punishment. It is simply a notification that something may be missing or incorrect. Brokers then have 48 hours to review and correct the issue. A fine is only issued if the violation is not corrected and there is no communication within that timeframe. When in doubt, reach out. The MLS staff is there to help, and most issues are resolved at the warning stage without ever becoming a fine.

The goal is not revenue. The goal is clean data. As Teri emphasizes, strong data integrity protects every broker and ensures that SWMLS remains professional, reliable, and accurate. Her hope is simple and refreshingly direct: a future where fines are not needed at all. Clean data benefits everyone, and maintaining it is a shared responsibility.