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Industry News, Social MediaFacebook isn’t exempt from advertising rules
REALTORS® are joining the social networking conversation but they might not be following the rules that govern their conversations.
“There are more rules on social media, the rules are different, mistakes happen faster and the potential for doing something wrong is greater,” according to Hank Lerner, Esq., PAR’s legal and member services director.
Lerner said all of the laws, regulations and ethical provisions that cover advertising and other real estate communications apply to social media as well.
“NAR’s Code of Ethics also states ‘REALTORS® shall/shall not,’ do certain activities,” Lerner said. “It doesn’t exempt Facebook, where some seem to think they can do or say anything they want to.”
While some REALTORS® may think their personal Facebook page or Twitter posts aren’t included, Lerner said they probably are. “If you’re on Facebook and you never mention a listing or speak about being in real estate, then you may be fine if you don’t mention your broker.
“However, if you discuss real estate or post a photo of a listing on your Facebook site, you need to identify your broker as you would in any advertisement,” he added.
Lerner said the best option is to start a “Fan” page on Facebook, which allows people to opt into the site. The fan page should also clearly identify the REALTOR® and contact information, along with the broker name, address and phone number.
Lerner suggested everyone follow three rules: think before you type, think again and think one more time before you post, just to be sure.
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About Kim: Kim Shindle is the Communications Specialist at the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®. |
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Jason, why do yo feel you should be exempt from the advertising guidelines? This is a profession and you should be proud a part of it and your company.
What a crock of garbage this is. Just a sad attempt to try and wield your useless power around and maybe collect some fines in the process. How about trying to do something useful instead of being Big Brother to police a social networking site. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.
Libbie, You don’t need your company name next to your name on Facebook. You can add it with your other information in the box underneath your picture where it says to write something about yourself. Here is an example:
First Last, REALTOR®
Broker Office Name
Broker Office Phone Number
123 Main Street
Anywhere, PA 12345
Hope this helps!
Just wondering how to get your company name next to your name on the top of your face book page? I tried to put it next to my last name and it would not fit in the space allowed….Any suggestions would be appreciated.