Do you as a Real Estate blogger adhere to the same rules as outlined for Realtor web page submission?

I've noticed that there are quite a few Realtor blogs that not only do not indicate the name of the blogger but also obviously do not show the name of the agency that the blogger is affiliated with.

I believe, if not mistaken that NAR has stipulated that on Realtor websites, the Realtor now must not only have their name and agency clearly posted on the welcome page but also must include the Realtor's license number.

Since blogging is fairly new to cyberspace, have the rules just not been formed and what is your take on this issue?

Inquiring minds would like to know!

That is a great question.

I don’t know of any rule or law that requires an agent to display a license number.

Here in Illinois the state law requires that the brokerage name and phone number be in all advertising. So the question really is whether or not a blog is advertising and I suppose that would depend on the content of the blog.

Quote: "I do not know of any rule or law that requires an agent to display a license number"

We must display out license number in California in ads when advertising for real estate loans. Our revised CAR contract forms now require license numbers. I also heard that, like insurance agents in the state of California who must display their license number of their business cards, real estate agents will soon be required to do so too. Has any agent/broker in California heard the same?

I make it a point to have lic # on all BPOs/AVMs and correspondence along with my certifications.

If the blogging is for the purpose of drumming up business then, a licensee must comply by California Business and Professions Code 10236.4 and disclose their license number.

I'd say that's good enough for me. So, name, firm and license number needs to be on a blog. I can't imagine anyone stating that they don't blog to get clients so this is an area that a lot of people need to address on their own blogs.

Thank you for each of your submissions and helpfulness.

Calif.Dreaming,

I know that this post is old, but yes, it is on the DRE website somewhere. I got all the info as new a new Broker back in Sept. 2006. It states that we must have our license# on business cards in "8 point font".

The Texas Real Estate Commission requires the broker's name and licensee status at the bottom of each page since each is a separate advertisement. The problem on blogs is that some are templates, so we need to update the footer, etc. to show this.

My blog has a header where I described the blog a belonging to me and that I'm with Keller Williams Realty. We don't have to include license # from what I read in the ethics documents from TREC.

Hi Gena,

I would argue that we are having conversations here and not every "blogger" is advertising their sevices, hence no disclosure is required in my opinion unless you are!!!
Claudia
grin:

I would supply the name of the broker on the blog if it is used to advertise. I'd rather not walk the fine line between with the law. If you're using the blog to promote your business, then supply a broker's name.

"I believe, if not mistaken that NAR has stipulated that on Realtor websites, the Realtor now must not only have their name and agency clearly posted on the welcome page but also must include the Realtor's license number."

If anyone can reference (post a link?) of that NAR requirement, it would help.

We aren't required to put our license number on stuff here in PA.
Most important is that the Broker's name and phone number appear on every ad piece we do.

I think its just a good business practice to make sure your name is on everything that is published in any type of medium.