I'm sure this issue is far from even scratching the surface. If our NAR thinks that Google is a scraper site (not sure how they even know what a scraper site is, if they think this) then advertising and interacting on social media is going to cause a lot of issues. So while Association's leadership is at Amazon looking for FaceBOOK, let's cover what rules they THINK are good one.
Here's some key pointers on what you need to be mindful of
- Real Estate Commission rules apply to all media.
- In Georgia - All Advertisements require the firm's name and telephone number... OH and it's not supposed to be larger than yours... OUCH! Be sure you know what an advertisement is...
- Ad cannot be misleading... Think "TITLES!"
- Can't discriminate - You're probably thinking about color, but you need to be worried about AGE!
- Under supervision of Broker
For Specific Properties
- Owner's Permission to Advertise - did they approve that you tube video?
- Broker's Name equal or larger in size
Of course, the rules are just stuff that is written down, unless someone calls you on it.
So what are some real rules when using social media - real meaning, the ones you should actually pay attention to.
- Never post something that your "MAMA" wouldn't approve of.
- Don't post about specific people.
- Pictures of you at the lake may be really "HOT" but might not be the best thing to associate with your Real Estate Profile.
- Don't make enemies.. they could report you for breaking the "RULES."
This is a huge issue right now with many regulatory bodies. People assume that if they market through social networking that the regular rules somehow do not apply, and they are wrong.
Good post, Joshua. Many things that we should remember of, before we get caught up in social blogging.
Good points. .there should be a distinction between personal and friends and family socializing
Excellent reminder! Wouldn't know why common sense doesn't apply!
Our brokerage a new form for sellers to sign, giving permission to advertise their property on the internet, to include (or not include) their specific address, to blog (or not) about their property, etc. etc. It's a whole new world out there. Thanks for the helpful hints.
Josh,
And to top it all off, each State has their own rules and regulations. How does anybody monitor this?
Rich
The rules are the rules are the rules, and they must be followed. Good post I hope it is read by many.
You make some excellent points. The rules should be followed or changed if they don't make sense in the current environment.
You are so Right. Everyone should check their profile for these 'ad requirements'
I believe that lawn signs are far more applicable to the rule. You can get away with murder on the internet. There are blind, stealth, and missleading websites everywhere on the internet. Rich is right, no enforcement on the internet. I Know the NAR does not care, I've called them on it....
Some of the web sites like Growth Leader also do not comply with many state regulations.
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/roykelley
Frank & Jodi,
I agree, I updated the post to reflect that. Thanks for reminding me about that.
Plenty of lines to get close to. Guess only the laywers will help decide when they get close. Just add money.
Good post
Tony
Joshua, very good points. We sometime forget that blogging is also a form of advertising and the rules also apply. Thanks for the reminder.
When we see our peers making some of these mistakes, I think that we need to let them know what we know, (kindly - professional to professional). If they don't correct them, then we need to file complaints with our local association, or state real estate commission. We can police our own for the good of our industry.
Stacey,
Yikes!
I just checked to make sure you were in a different state! Yowzer!
It is unfortunate that agents do not follow the rules and bring others a bad name.
The internet is a type of advertising vehicle. As long as you comply with you state real estate laws, and NAR's code of ethics you have no additional liabilities.
Joshua - I am sure that there will be more and more regulation within the social media sites when it comes to real estate marketing. It will be interesting to see how these things can/will be monitored moving forward.
This post should've been featured - not being a Realtor this info doesn't apply to me (other than the ethics and social skills part, you're right on about the right behavior here) because I own my own business, but this is serious stuff.