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Today one of my local competitors / friends showed up on Twitter I saw that there were 3 tweets promoting his website and realized he had created 3 Twitter accounts.  Ok, a few people think and find ways to use more than one account. 

One of his accounts used a community name and then the word REALTOR® - this is a violation of the Trademark many of us pay each year for.  I know a lot of us have made the mistake or might even still be making the mistake but NAR does find these violations and they do shut the account down.

Anyway the REALTOR® I tried to help by telling him he might want to find another user name did not take kindly to my words of advice.  He is positive he is not in violation...

If you are going to use REALTOR® - you can say Thesa Chambers REALTOR® (or your name) but you can not say Oregon REALTOR® (or your state)

To make this a little easier NAR has published a quick guide to using the term REALTOR® on the internet.

Some of the recent violations I have seen include

REMAX REALTOR®

C21 REALTOR®

Town Name REALTOR®

State REALTOR®

If you are using REALTOR® in this manner you may want to think twice about putting a lot of time, effort and sometimes money into something that may be taken away from you.  I am not telling you this to make things difficult, in fact I would hate to see all your hard work go down the drain and for you to be starting over.

 

117 Comments on Are You In Violation of REALTOR®?

MAY
31
2009
287,662 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog

About time someone wrote about this.....way too many violations of the proper usage, surprised NAR hasn't done anything about it yet.

8:43pm • #1
1,226,336 Points 262 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thesa...

Just file a grievance with your local board. Nothing will happen unless you do.

8:46pm • #2
114,791 Points 2 Featured Posts

It's amazing how many people don't appreciate sincere help!

I'm using this and the link in sales meeting Tuesday morning. Thanks for the post.

8:46pm • #3
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Kathy - they will - and with so many things popping up it will take time... all the more reason to know upfront... and not put all that time into building a following and have to change your name.

Richard - I am not upset about his violation and could care less - NAR will find it and will shut it down... my point is - do YOU want to put all that time into something that CAN and WILL be taken away from you?

Julie - It is ok... some of us are fortunate enough to learn from the mistakes of others or by reading the rules - others learn the hard way.... it all works out in the wash.

8:53pm • #5
494,202 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Thesa,

Good info, I'd think a lot of agents don't know this.

BTW, one of the things I see is people at times (seen it here too) is licensed realtor. We are typically licensed agents, (depending on your state) and some are REALTORS® by membership.

8:53pm • #6
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Lynda - great point - I have to say "Licensed Broker in the State of Oregon" and not every Real Estate agent is a REALTOR®

8:55pm • #8
649,189 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thesa, over 10 years ago I named my website Realtorwithresults.com.  I had No SEO so no one found it but NAR did.  I received a cease and desist letter that would scare your socks off.  Shoot the site was all of 2 months old but the good news was that I had not spent a lot of advertising on it.  I changed the name to my current site of agentwithresults.com.  Lesson learned I have been very careful how I have used the REALTOR name. 

If your friend would like to talk to me I could set him straight from personal experience.

9:02pm • #9
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Marchel - I remember your story from our night in Texas - and he will learn - or he will waste a lot of time... it is up to him... but made me realize how many others just have not read the rules... and do not know.

9:09pm • #10
649,189 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hey I forgot to tell you Congrats on the feature!! 

9:09pm • #11
287,662 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Wow...that story of Marchel's should make people wisen up.  I mostly say Real Estate Agent on my stuff only because it takes less time than trying to go find the registered symbol :)

Active Rain would help a lot if they put the R symbol on here for us :)

9:12pm • #12
247,582 Points 20 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I see the word Realtor a lot in online forums in user names and websites.  Can you imagine the Google Alerts they must get there every day for the word?

9:12pm • #13
238,989 Points 2 Featured Posts

Good thing to remember, Thesa.  Maybe some agents aren't aware of this.  It's too bad your local competitor/friend didn't understand that you were trying to help them out.

9:13pm • #14
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Marchel - I am not sure that thanks are in order.... but thanks :)

Kathy - if you are on a desk top old down the ALT key and type 0174 and it makes the R - not sure on a tablet which keys do it yet....

Melina - that is why I said something - he thought since there were others it was ok.... and my point was totally overlooked as do not put time, effort and money into something that will eventually be taken away.

Heather - He will figure it out.... he is not a stupid man... he is pretty darn smart - but stuborn. :)

 

9:17pm • #15
207,133 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I think a lot of agents do all sorts of this stuff and dont know it.

9:22pm • #16
312,577 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

"Ok, a few people think and find ways to use more than one account." I've just jumped onto Twitter again, mostly peer pressure. Mistakes or not, some people are too clever if they can work 3 accounts.

9:27pm • #17
314,804 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I'm curious if you have filed a complaint against this person? That is one way it may be resolved. Come to think of it... that is the only way it will be resolved and if we don't call out these people who will? Just a thought....

9:32pm • #18
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Shane - a lot of us find out through eachother some of these guidelines and so on....

Dena - I can only use one... we all have different ideas

Lana - this is not about one person and I am not nor did I turn him in... I believe that we all need to stand by a higher standard and I have told him the truth - if he continues to use the name... then he will build his online following - and then loose it.... If Iwere to turn in all the violations I see I would not have time to do my job as a REALTOR®

9:36pm • #19
733,992 Points 136 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Some people choose not to "get" it.  They'd rather be right in their mind, than in fact.  You're right... NAR will find him - maybe even faster with a little help.

9:46pm • #20
6 Featured Posts

Thanks for this, it should come in handy for folks like my self that haven't been at it for very long. 

9:54pm • #21
536,560 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I dont know that I knew this. I have never violated the rule, but good to know.

9:54pm • #22
402,631 Points 40 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Thesa...What is interesting is that a couple of the folks that commented here are using REALTOR® inappropriately.

I second Kathy McGraw's request that Active Rain put the symbol here so it is easier to use.  I tried holding down the Alt key and typing 0174 but nothing happened (this was on my desktop).

Like Melina, I prefer to use real estate specialist.  Consultant also works if someone is trying to use something other than agent.

Good post.  You were helpful to your local competitor/friend.  Too bad he didn't believe you.

Kate

9:55pm • #23
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Margaret - I miss you.... thanks - you are still my hero

Ian - you are welcome - hope it helps

Chuck - glad you have been a "good boy" and now you know

9:56pm • #24

Until NAR and the local boards are willing to "Walk softly and carry a big stick" nothing will change. What good is a law or rule if there are no penalties for non-compliance? Would speeders obey speed laws if no police were present to give out tickets? It's like making a threat for compliance with a child and then doing nothing when they repeatedly break the rules. Eventually, they decide there is "no punishment" if they don't follow the rules. Agents like children, will only comply if there are negative effects for their disobedience or positive reinforcement for compliance.

9:56pm • #25
180,573 Points 12 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I was actually guilty of this when I first joined Twitter, but a fellow agent gave me a friendly reminder and I thanked them profusely and quickly changed the name.  A lot better than getting into some serious trouble.

9:57pm • #26
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Katie - try the ctrl key - it is one of them.... I am on a laptop and they are a little different...

9:57pm • #27
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Exit - they find them... read Marchel's comment

Roger - good for you.... now you will build your followings and keep them

9:58pm • #28
724,149 Points 223 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You are absolutely right. We did a great deal of research after I registered a domain name that seemed unlikely to still be available. Well, it was available because it was not permitted. The term REALTOR has to refer to you specifically and not your town, county or hype. "topwestchesterrealtor.com" was a great idea, but it can't be used. 

File a grievance. 

10:02pm • #29
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Philip - good for you to check it out before having to change the domain name and start over on the SEO ladder

10:04pm • #30
294,724 Points 1 Featured Post

Great post - and a good gentle reminder.

My wife just took her ethics training in January and this was a key topic. She and I actually recently discussed this issue.

Thanks for sharing,

Mike K

10:08pm • #31
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Mike K - first year they talk about it and after that it is not generally discussed - they should talk about it more - gentle reminders are good

10:10pm • #32

Maybe we could get NAR to add this to the Professional Standards - Ethics training that everyone must take every two years. I know it's a little off the topic, but hey, I teach the class and we could sneak it in! Maybe there should be a list of the most violated regulations that could be covered in a quick hand-out at the end of the class? I've been doing this for over 30 years and we really do have so many regulations such as this and fair housing, and everything else that we do, that I go and check the regs before I do something to be sure something hasn't changed that I wasn't aware of. Doesn't mean I still couldn't make a mistake like others!

10:35pm • #33
228,471 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Thesa, how do you like this one, "Your Realtor for Life".  I doubt if anyone will report/pursue these violations, and that is unfortunate.

10:49pm • #34
531,137 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

These: You are 100% correct on this.. a few years ago I had a domain name FtCampbellRealtor.com and I received a ceased and desist notice. I had to have the site down within 24 hours. Needless to say.. I have also offered this same advice to others and many think it is a personal attack.. We can only help those willing to listen

10:49pm • #35
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Leah - that is a great idea -

Regina - I see that one a lot -

Roland - wow 24 hours - to find a new domain that could be tough

10:56pm • #36
422,778 Points 20 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

Yes Thesa -- I did not know until a few weeks ago, that I couldn't be "your Mountain REALTOR (r). When I read the info on a quiz on REALTOR Magazine online - I promptly changed it. Many just don't know, but when given the information should thank you!  I actually have a post in draft about this very subject!

10:57pm • #37
260,424 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I see this rather often and I may get flack for this but I report them. It's wrong and if I can't do it, why should they get to? All I want is an even playing field...

11:03pm • #38
892,028 Points 20 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thesa - This word has gotten many into trouble with NAR.  This is a great reminder.

11:03pm • #39
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Mary - good for you for changing it.... glad you found out before you had too much invested into things.

Christianne - good point an even playing field would be nice

Jennifer - nice to see you here - how have you been?

11:08pm • #40
1,007,498 Points 36 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I think this is a good this is a good thing to know before spending time and money.
11:13pm • #41
269,874 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
The unfortunate thing is that we can't use it. All this push to differentiate an agent from a Realtor (R) and the use is stifled. I think it should be allowed (imo), bit since it isn't I would agree that violators should be reminded then reported.
11:18pm • #42
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Christine - exactly -

Matt- you can use it... Matt Stigliano, REALTOR(R) - but you are not the only North-San Antonio REALTOR - so to say that would not be true - it is a desgination not a profession - it is the trade mark to the organization you belong to.... wonder how many people call themselves a REALTOR(R) and are not...

11:25pm • #43
1,215,833 Points 44 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Do a search for "realtor" in Twitter usernames and you'll find a bunch of violations. This could take NAR a couple of days just to notify all of them.

11:47pm • #44
546,415 Points 11 Featured Posts

Hi Thesa -- It does pay (literally) to know the rules, thanks for the advice.

11:51pm • #45
556,113 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

They are also cracking down on agents who use the word Realtor in their domain name.

-Keith

11:57pm • #46
JUN
01
2009
285,915 Points 20 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

They do teach this in ethics classes nowadays . . . I had a GRI class last year where it was touched upon.

I appreciate that you CAPITALIZED the word REALTOR which is also a correct presentation that is often neglected by Rs, BTW.  :)

12:03am • #47
731,664 Points 144 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thank you for posting this....

12:21am • #48
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

John - my point exactly - these folks are building a following under a name that can and will most likely be stripped from them.

Chris - I like your style - you are so right - there can be big bucks

Keith  - they have been watching that for a long time - several people I know found that out the hard way.

Candice - thank you - that drives me nuts too... the cap thing

Greg - my pleasure - hope it helps

1:29am • #49
504,137 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thesa:

I agree with the post above that says basically "rules are rules but this rule chould not be a/the rule."

If someone invests themselves in being Mountain REALTOR or North Podunk REALTOR, etc.  the only risk should be the one that would naturally accrue if they fail to pay their dues or are banned from the organization.  That is, they would lose their advertising investment in branding themselves as such.

I fail to see the point of saying Joe Blow, REALTOR is okay but Central City REALTOR is not.

In the mind of the public the profession is REALTOR.  If you are their REALTOR for life, then you are a good one and a credit to the organization.  If you're not their REALTOR, you're just an real estate agent.

 

 

 

4:19am • #51
1 Featured Post

I am so glad you brought this topic up for discussion...I have given up filing complaints against others...there are way to many in violation to count.

Bettina

7:02am • #52

I am guilty of having two twitter accounts - one for business and one for personal... I am not a realtor, but can understand the frustration.  I would never create two accounts for business though.

I see this as the major flaw with social networks... users creating multiple profiles.  I've seen it on MySpace, Facebook and now twitter.

7:05am • #53
128,299 Points 1 Featured Post

Thanks Thesa, this is great info, and I appreciate the link. I will make sure to show to my broker as well to ensure none of our agents are in violation! Thank you!

7:07am • #54
271,655 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I find it so interesting how agents are so protective of NAR and the REALTOR trademark.  Like just by having it makes you a better real estate agent.  Obviously this person is pushing the boundaries of the rules whether they do it knowingly or not.  Either way at least they are marketing themselvs and trying to build their business.

7:17am • #55
251,633 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

What's his big tweet about... Just suggest he spells it REALALOR then he is fine...

7:35am • #56
218,115 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Everyone is in a different place on the learning curve and they sometimes don't want to learn. 

7:49am • #57
310,478 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Thanks for publishing this, I'm not sure I knew what the regulations include.

7:53am • #58
483,249 Points 53 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thesa--You can also get in trouble for using MLS in the same manner. Never forget that these are registered trademarks and to use them properly. Good information! :)

8:43am • #59
268,841 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I'm surprised NAR hasn't done something about this sooner. Congrats on the feature!

8:55am • #60
446,595 Points 59 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp

It's up to all of us to help NAR enforce the Realtor trademark.

You can report violation anonoymously to Trademark@Realtors.org (be sure and include the "S" after "Realtor(s) or it won't work.

A very nice lady named Mary Newill is our trademark administrator and she'll send out a cease and desist email first, a letter second, and then NAR's legal department takes over if the offender doesn't heed Ms Mary's warnings.

Sometimes it takes several months or even over a year but we almost always prevail in the end.

8:55am • #61

Thanks for the post about the trademark.  It is so important to us all - and I'm with you on keeping watch in the marketplace. 

 NAR can't be everywhere - so it is up to us in the marketplace to make sure we know the rules and help those along who (inadvertently?) get so enthusiastic that they misuse the mark. 

Pat Vredevoogd Combs
9:48am • #62
763,213 Points 62 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good post and it's good to review the rules and regs.  I knew about it but as the broker I'm wondering if I've been clear about this with my agents.  Thanks for the reminder.  It will be on the schedule for tomorrow's sales meeting!

Congrats on the gold star!

9:51am • #63
1,194,256 Points 89 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Teri said: You can also get in trouble for using MLS in the same manner. Never forget that these are registered trademarks and to use them properly.

MLS is not a registered trademark for NAR, is it?   Your local or state board may have problems with the use of it but others in other parts of the country use it in url's, company names, websites.  

Isn't MLS Major League Soccer?

9:54am • #64
182,099 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

You are so right; however, very few people follow the rules and I'm sure it is a never ending battle tracking down the trademark infringers.  To be perfectly honest though, the general public doesn't understand that it is a trademarked name.  Does Kleenex go after everyone who uses that word instead of "tissue"?  Does Johnson & Johnson go after everyone who uses "Bandaid" instead of "adhesive bandage"? 

I would rather see my dues money used to promote the profession in a positive light rather than chase down people using the name incorrectly.

Tina in Virginia

10:02am • #65
412,393 Points 1 Featured Post

Good information, thanks for the time to get it out ther to AR>

Patricia Aulson

10:19am • #66
200,212 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

There are stealth websites, blind websites, and multiple violation for the word REALTOR® sites all over the internet. Seems they only enforce the use of REALTOR®. All the others are ignored. Agreed, if MLS was enforced LOTS of folks would have to make changes...

10:23am • #67
163,440 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

NAR has contacted people if they are turned in???? I know of someone who knows of someone who got an email / or call over a blast email signature block

10:30am • #69

Thank you for posting this. It is a good reminder for all. 

10:52am • #70
278,704 Points Outside Blog

Thesa, this is very good to know. Thanks for sharing this information. Hope you are doing well in sunny central Oregon.

11:32am • #71
1,114,813 Points 71 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I go over this in my internet class and you would be amazed at how many people have no idea of these rules.  Even using it in your email address is wrong, and I see it used that way all the time.  oregonrealtor@aol.com or something like that, just picking on your name since it's your post.

11:49am • #72
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Jim - I do not make the rules - and my point is to just bring it to the attention of those that care - not to dispute them.  Calling myself Sunriver REALTOR(R) is not acceptable... why because it says I am the Sunriver REALTOR(R) and there are many others that have paid their dues to do this. If you believe the public sees us all as REALTORS(R) then maybe we need to educate the public more and show them the difference... not every agent or broker is a REALTOR(R)

Bettina - I too do not turn them all in - there are a few that I will only to get them on to the right track rather than investing so much time to have it taken away.  Thanks for the support.

Chris - many people have multiple accounts - I don't have the energy to make that work and since I try to let my clients see I am a real person I just use one... if you use two - you have a personal personality and a business one... kinda like having a business phone and a home phone - good for you :)

Marney - This is an old rule but often times forgotten... have a great day!

Morgan - You make a great point... I think often times these people never read the rules and are not educated.  I actually had a webmaster encourage me to take a domain name with REALTOR(R) in it... because he did not know it was not allowed.  He about died because he had 4 clients that were using it... my bet is they thought he knew and he thought they knew.

Mary - I love it... what a  great idea

Mark - exactly - you hit the nail righ on the head.

11:59am • #73
193,276 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

This is a good reminder. I think a lot of Realtors truly don't know the rules regarding how they can and cannot use the word REALTOR. The association needs to constantly be beating this drum. As others have said, if the Realtor doesn't want to use the word properly someone does need to move up the ladder of enforcement.

Thank you

12:05pm • #74
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Kathy - there are more regulations and they can all be found at www.realtor.org

Teri - you are so right MLS is a trademark and it is also misused a lot

Integrity Mortgage - with the Internet getting so large it is hard to find them all -

Jim - thank you for email - now we all have another resource... you rock!

Pat - as a group we can help each other

Anna - glad we could help - there are a lot of things we all get a little relaxed about and the internet such an easy place to forget.

Maureen - I am not sure how the MLS trademark works but it is trademarked - you can say search the Central Oregon MLS and so on... but you can not call your site the Sunriver MLS - because you are not the one in control of the data... sounds like a great post for you to write :)

Tina - I agree with you on one hand... but for those of us that play fair it is nice to have a fair playing field.... If I could use the domain name SunriverRealtor.com I sure would... but it is not allowed....and by chasing these MEMBERS down and educating them we all have a fair playing field.

Patricia - glad I could be of assistance.

Frank & Jodi - there are a ton of violations out there and this was not posted to get people in trouble but instead to educate them and have them correct their error themselves :)

Billie - NAR does do what they can to keep this under control

Kate - you are welcome - glad to help

Amy - Central Oregon has been beautiful the last week or two... spring is finally here - hope it is well in Hood River too.

Donna - it is amazing how many of us do not know - you are so right about the email you mention.

12:21pm • #75
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Scott - they do what they can and sometimes we have to educate our friends and so on...

12:23pm • #76
469,911 Points

You learn something everyday!  IT was nice of you to tell the other realtor.

Kathy

12:27pm • #77
555,524 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thesa - thank  you!  After reading your blog this morning I have changed the names we were using.  It's been quite a morning for me but I'm happy to announce that I was able to change our blog title without loosing anything - just posted of my morning fear.  Again, thank you very much for your post and keeping me out of real estate jail!

12:40pm • #78
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Kathy - thanks for the support 0 it is always appreciated

Lee & Pamela - I am so glad it turned out well.... good for you to do the right thing!  You deserve the gold star

12:43pm • #79
121,935 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Thesa - that's a very good post. Internet is the place where many agents deal with the rules pretty frivolously. For example, Isn't it the rule that the agents should use their names only along with the Broker's name? Look at many agents' web sites and especially blogs, not to mention Facebook or other social venues. I think new books of clear rules of Internet advertising should be issued by NAR and local boards. 

1:12pm • #80
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Svetlana -I struggle with this every where - many of the venus we use do not accomodate us to use what we need to show to be legal - for example here on AR I have to be creative to show the Licensed in Oregon which is required... I by no means am prefect but I certainly try and figure out a way to show what the rules say I need to.

1:23pm • #81

Good reminder of proper usage. Coincidentally, I have just recently inquired about the protocol of using this trade mark name too. 

1:38pm • #82
415,283 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Out of curiosity I went and looked at a bunch of blog titles and (state) or (city) Realtor®. The other thing I noticed is that a few are using the company name followed by the Trademark, and if I understand it correctly that is not allowed either? ~Rita

1:46pm • #83
269,874 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thesa - I understand how it can be used, but I just wonder...why not open it up to use in those other manners.  I can't really see the harm in it (other than people who don't take advantage of it).  As for non-Realtors® using it, I think it's probably more common than we or the NAR would like to think.  It's like saying "Kleenex" instead of "tissues."

2:12pm • #84
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Steve - good for you to check -

Rita - it is amazing how many do not know (do not want to think they do not care)

Matt - if we were to open it up - and use it that freely - what would make it any different than a kleenex - just something you wipe snot on... I pay to be a REALTOR(R) like many of us do.... and although NAR can frustrate the crud out of me... it is what it is... and it should make me stand out... and one of the ways is by protecting MY trademark as a REALTOR(R) -

2:22pm • #85
861,708 Points 76 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I agree with Matt, above. I don't pay NAR so I can use the word realtor. I think it has become too generic and the public has no clue that you can be an agent and not a REALTOR (R).

 

4:22pm • #86
415,283 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I just happened to stumble upon a blog (outside AR) - the agent is using (their name) Realtor.com Blog - that's the name of the blog. ~Rita (great now I'm seeing things everywhere lol)

4:29pm • #87
Outside Blog

Thanks for the post.  This is good to know.

8:52pm • #88
1,305,961 Points 314 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thesa - I see this sort of violation all the time, but it seems rare that NAR does anything about it. Too bad your "friend" takes offense to your helpfulness. We occasionally find CRS members using the designation when they should not, which in my mind is equally naughty, perhaps more so.

Jeff

8:54pm • #89
516,068 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Congrats on the feature.  Very good information.

 

8:55pm • #90
308,664 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Erica - I don't pay dues to use it... but I like an even playing field

Rita - amazing how when you see something once it keeps appering in front of you

Anna - you are most welcome

Jeff - I need to finish my CRS - I think I am 1 class maybe 2 away.... but I do not use the designation - I know a lot of ABR's that are not current with their dues and still use it though and that too is a violation

Debra - thanks for visiting and thank you

9:07pm • #91
103,963 Points

I've stopped even giving friendly notice, and I've no time to chase or turn anybody in...

I did once point out a missuse, and soon after the REALTOR® who was missusing the tm got a C&D from NAR and blamed me! Sheesh, I was just warnning him so he wouldn't waste his time w/ branding...

9:12pm • #92
207,100 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thesa,

You can lead a horse to water but...........sometimes you just have to smack them!  :)

Thanks for helping to protect our trademark!

Lucky :)

9:13pm • #93
865,593 Points 50 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

They have their little peeves... just like the rest of us.  But, the rules have to be uniform... and in the case of this little peeve, they are pretty good about slapping as many people as they can. 

9:36pm • #94
1 Featured Post

It seems that quite a few posting comments are of the opinion that "NAR should do something about this problem". We, as members of the National Association of Realtors  ARE NAR.

You, themembers of NAR can report violation to Trademark@Realtors.org (be sure and include the "S" after "Realtor(s). Mary Newill will  pursue the problem. She cannot however locate the violators as well as the million members of NAR can. If you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

Only members of NAR are allowed to call themselves Realtors. We are allowed to use the trademarked term Realtor with our own name or our brokerage name. JohnSmithRealtor, RealtorJane Smith, GrandRapidsRealEstate-Realtors are all allowed uses.

 

9:59pm • #95
615,509 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Oh oh -- guess the NAR police need to get on over to twitter and check things out.

10:10pm • #96
815,674 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

We should protect our name.  Thanks for clarifying the issue.

10:28pm • #97
649,189 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Thesa, If you go over to my blog I just expanded on your post. 

10:36pm • #98
3 Featured Posts

Thesa,

I didn't read all the other comments, so I don't know if anyone else agrees with my opinion, but I think this error is as common as forgetting to use Spell-check!  (Hey, did I make any spelling errors in this comment?)

 

10:42pm • #99

thanks for explaining this one, good advice to help follow guidelines while marketing my real estate clients

 

David

 

Surpass Marketing - Economic Search Engine Marketing

 

Clients:

Luxury NC mountain property

Costa Rica Beach Vacation Home Rentals

10:52pm • #100
177,495 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router

I see this from time to time in emails.  I thought it was wrong, but never took the time to verify it until just now.  Thanks for helping clarify the issue.  This is a well-deserved feature.

11:11pm • #101
168,890 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

At least he spelled it right. I saw the word "Realitor" recently and almost hauled the guy into grammar court.

11:12pm • #102
419,203 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow, I love A/R. Thanks, Thesa, for reminding us of how NOT to use REALTOR(R) -- I'm obviously in the camp hoping A/R makes the registration symbol easy to use!

11:20pm • #103
151,908 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Thanks for the reminder, this is a great opportunity for all of us REALTOR® to go to our sites and check our usages of it. So now I got work to do, in checking my usuage of it. Thanks for the post.

11:27pm • #104
531,137 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Thesa: I could have recieved the fine in the mail... The short notice was acceptable compaired to a big fine.

11:59pm • #106
JUN
02
2009
193,448 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thesa. I hope that this REALTOR did not start his print ad campaign using this title. That would be a very costly mistake.

12:57am • #107

I do not understand why it is such a big issue.  I am a member of NAR only ecause it is required in my area.  In my opinion NAR is like the unions,  they take your money and dole it out to their favorite politicians and other groups.  I have absolutely no respect or use for NAR.  The NAR magazine is nothing but a lot of false advertising. 

Stan Cobb

 

Stan Cobb
6:49am • #108
577,905 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Didn't know that it was an issue, but grateful that I haven't violated it. Thanks for sharing this info.

8:00am • #109
392,851 Points 4 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

As someone said earlier, interesting that so many who are agreeing, are using the term incorrectly.  I wrote to a couple of them, maybe there's something I'm missing?

9:22am • #110

It is always the "do gooders" that get shot in the foot.

Why do some people not just say "thank you, I was not aware," or " thanks, I'll check that out". What is the point of being confrontational? Instead they make you feel guilty for helping them. In the end the "do gooders" just stop and that would be a pity.

12:40pm • #111

Thanks so much for posting this....Many people don't realize that this is incorrect or need to be reminded.  Good advise, good information, good link also....:)

Olga Diaz-Potter
6:56pm • #112
Localism Sponsor

I see this ALL the time, especially in web addresses and email addresses.  Sometimes I want to let them know, but know they will take it the wrong way.  I get too busy sometimes to be the NAR police and report it!

10:16pm • #113
273,832 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Ah, it's good to have reminders now & then.. this is one that's easy to fall into.

10:51pm • #114
JUN
03
2009

Thanks for the reminder.  I think it's something we can all watch out for.  Good job!

10:39am • #115
Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

No wonder this one is featured, you sure are a brave lady:) and you are keeping up with all the comments really well too!  I tried to explain this same thing to another agent once and got bit too!!!

10:16pm • #116
124,387 Points

Pick a name and pick it well, definately don't use something that you don't have the legal right to use.

11:47pm • #117
JUN
04
2009
589,597 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I hadn't thought about this usage.  At one time I changed my user name to Elkhart Evelyn Johnston but have since dropped the city name.  I am going to go back and see just exactly what mine says.  Thanks for the heads up!

6:31am • #118
JUL
28
2009
5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Thesa- REALTOR(R) has almost lost their brand, similar to Band-Aide. I need to re-think my usage and telling a borrower that they need to pick a good Realtor could be construed as being similar to telling a buyer that they should only use a Mortgage Banker or Retail Bank, or in my case, they should only use a Certified MOrtgage Planning Specialist. While it takes more key strokes, I should start using real estate professional.

AR also doesn't easily support lenders new requirements for listing our licenses. I recently took my WA LO license and they were very adamant about having the license number after my name, which reminds me....

4:26am • #120

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Thesa Chambers, Principal Broker Licensed in Oregon, with

Bend, OR

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Prudential NW Properties Sunriver

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