Washington State Real Estate Practice Exam

Who is primarily responsible for ensuring the accuracy of a property listing in an MLS?

1. The real estate broker or agent

2. The buyer of the property

3. The seller, regardless of the broker

4. The MLS itself

The correct answer is: The real estate broker or agent

The primary responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of a property listing in a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) falls on the real estate broker or agent. These professionals are tasked with collecting, entering, and managing listing information on behalf of their clients. They must verify that all details—such as property features, pricing, and condition—are correct and up-to-date. This diligence helps ensure that potential buyers receive accurate information, thereby fostering trust and facilitating smooth transactions. While the seller has insight into the property's details and may provide initial information, they rely on their broker or agent to accurately represent that information in the MLS. The MLS itself serves as a platform for sharing listings, but it does not take responsibility for the verification of the information submitted by the brokers or agents. The buyer plays a role in the transaction but typically relies on the accuracy of the listing as presented by the agent, rather than bearing the responsibility for confirming its accuracy.