Personally, I don't have a problem with it. The more exposure, the better. I've done blogs on other people's listings bacuse they're a great value.

Hi Rich:)  I kind of feel the same way, Rich!  I would love to do a nice feature once in a while of some of the cool properties out there...

Courtney, I do agree with the MLS's rules about getting permission - and I can tell you that if some other agent wanted to advertise one of my listings in emails, blogs, print - what ever I would be ok with it!!! I worked for a Windermere office where it was a huge no-no and I never understood that. That owner group might have changed it's thinking now but back a few years it was an office violation. Crazy huh? (ETA: another WRE agent could advertise it)

Hi Jo - yes - I agree with both sides - i think when we are blogging, we can take the same perspective as if we were emailing to clients and talk about listings and properties on the market or recently sold - so long as we aren't trying to pass them off as our own without permission? make sense?  Thanks for the feedback:)

Courtney, I can't see anything wrong with advertising someone else's listing, as long as you have permission to do so.  It helps the seller of the listing, and also the listing agent (as long as the agent's priority is getting the listing sold, not getting a double-dip commission).

Of course, local MLS rules must be followed. 

Hi Brian!  I totally agree - all exposure is good exposure as far as I am concerned:)  - I am just trying to make sure I am covered if I want to talk about some of the cool properties I am seeing out there - seems like I should be fine!  Thank you:)

I'm not an agent but if I were I would invite people to advertise my listings, use my photos, use my text. Advertise!

Hi Ken!  I agree:)  Thanks for stopping in!

Yes but- Courtney correct me if I'm missing something, I think  her question is really can she talk about and post a picture about another's listing- without permission? Getting permission can be like walking in wet concrete. And is that a violation of the MLS rules? I've considered the same question, and come down in favor of promoting the listing, but not like the e-mails with full information. I will take exterior pictures of the house and neighborhood, (this is public information, I don't believe that it is subject to local MLS rules) if its new, I feel free to take interiors, but I won't specify an address. I usually do quot e an Asking price, assuming  I am representing the Buyer. And I also talk  community and location... I have done dozens like this- see Community Reports- on my local CharlotteCommunitiesOnline.com blog

just my 2 cents 

Thank you Terry!!!  That is exactly what I mean!  These are good suggestions...

I think this is such a gray area that it would be wise to check with your local MLS before advertising another agent's listing. As for photographs of homes being public information, look at all the ruckus Barbra Streisand caused. Of course, I think she lost . . .

I set google alerts for my listings, and I'm always astonished at how many places have picked them up. 

I've always let other agents advertise my listings and most agents in my office actually come to me with their listings. They know when I advertise a listing I can usually get 40-50 leads per week per listing and they look at that as pretty good odds of me finding them a buyer. A lot of the time, I will give these leads to them and they pay me a 20% referral fee for the lead. Not bad for not doing any work, but using my ability to get leads.