Just thought I would pass this along to all!****** LEGAL ADVISORY

WARNING: The failure of a listing agent to promptly remove expired as well as sold listings from the Internet may result in legal or regulatory action for false advertising, deceptive practices or on other theories.

FROM RE/MAX INTERNATIONAL, INC.: It has come to our attention that listing information on the Internet is now being carefully investigated with respectto its truthfulness, accuracy and current status. Private investigations in at least three states have resulted in complaints to the real estate commission in those states. The central, most common problem complained of is that sold and expired listings are continuing to appear on the WEB. Are the listing agents involved just not aware that it's their responsibility to remove obsolete listings? Or are such agents intentionally leaving dead listings on the WEB to attract WEB users in the hope of shifting their interest to an actual, active listing?

YOUR LICENSE AND REPUTATION ARE ON THE LINE: Aside from the possibility of a lawsuit for damages or a regulatory action which could result in a stiff fine or the suspension or revocation of your license, inaccurate or outdated information bearing your name sends to Internet users the wrong message about you and the care and professionalism with which you practice.
IMMEDIATE ACTION URGED: No matter which websites you now use or have used, you are urged to check immediately all such sites to assure that your expired and sold listings have been removed and that all information regarding your current listings is accurate and up to date.

ONGOING SAFEGUARDS ENCOURAGED: You are encouraged to continually monitor your WEB listings just as you do your MLS listings to assure, on an ongoing basis, the accuracy of Internet information on your active listings. You are also encouraged to take all necessary steps after the sale or expiration of any listing of yours to assure that the information for that listing is promptly removed from the WEB.

Do you know if E&O Insurance extends to business on the Net?

I believe that two agents in Ohio are among the first to face legal action for Internet advertising infractions. The suit relates to an expired or sold listing that was posted on their site. Realtors should use similar guidelines for their Internet ads as they would use for any other media. Truthfulness, accuracy, and up to date information will keep the Internet police away, and keep your new Internet contacts impressed.