By Mary Lynne Gibbs • 2018 Director
Are you like me looking at updating your business cards and signs to comply with the new TREC advertising rules? These rules will be effective starting on May 15, 2018. Don’t forget to include checking your e-mail and business website.
“Remember if or when a complaint is filed against you, enforcement will look at everything. This includes the broker’s name and size in all your advertising including your e-mail. Information about brokerage services above signature…everything,” says Avis Wukasch, Texas Real Estate Commission chairperson.
If you have taken the most current Legal Update in 2018 you most likely are already familiar with these rules. If not, be sure to educate yourself by attending a class or watch the one-hour online town hall event from Feb. 22, 2018. Doug Oldmixon, executive director of TREC explains everything you need to know on the Youtube video or read the advertising rules on the TREC’s website at www.trec.texas.gov/article/trecs-advertising-rules-what-you-need-know.
There is an excellent article that gives examples of advertising which is acceptable in the January/February 2018 Texas REALTOR Magazine. Some of the highlights include:
TREC requires you to provide a link to the Consumer Protection Notice and a completed Information About Brokerage Services notice in a readily noticeable place on the homepage of your business websites. The term “business website” means a website, including social media, that is accessible to the public, has content controlled by the license holder and has information about the license holder’s real estate business. For social media accounts, the links may be in the account’s profile or on a separate page or website through a direct link from the social media platform or profile.
Just remember your broker will be responsible for making sure your advertisements are complying. If you have any questions, know that they are a valuable resource to you.
Thank you to all of you who supported our RRC and WCR TREPAC Cake Auction. We had a record-breaking year and raised more than $9,000. Great food, networking and fun were had by all.
