QUESTIONS:
- Your firm name is ABC Realty and one of your competitors is called
XYZ Realty. You have set up your behind-the-scenes metatags to direct
anyone who searches for “xyz realty” to your ABC Realty website. This
presents a true picture and is not a violation of Article 12 of the Code
of Ethics. True or False?
- Using Number1realtor.com or numberone-realtor.com as your domain name is acceptable. True or False?
- Framing another firm’s website within your own is not allowed by the
Code. True or False?
ANSWERS:
- False. Deceptively using metatags, keywords, or other devices/methods to direct, drive, or divert Internet
traffic, or to otherwise mislead consumers, is a violation of Article 12
as interpreted by Standard of Practice 12-10.
- False. According to NAR
Membership Marks Policy, the term REALTOR® may not be used with
descriptive words or phrases. For example, Number1realtor.com,
numberone-realtor.com, chicagorealtors.org or realtorproperties.com are
all incorrect.
- True. Any deceptive or unauthorized framing of real
estate brokerage websites fails to present a true picture to the public
and would violate Article 12 of the Code.
-
Article 12 and all its Standards of Practice, plus the entire Code of
Ethics
- Details on the use of REALTOR® or REALTORS® on the Internet
- On a related topic, are you clear about the authorized use of the REALTOR® trademarks in general? See how good you are by taking the
REALTOR® Trademark Quiz
Originally printed in the Arizona REALTOR® Digest, this series of
articles covers a variety of topics related to the Code of Ethics and
business disputes involving REALTORS®.
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