I stopped by one of my listings this morning and found a competitors business card on the kitchen counter. This in itself is often encouraged by many listing agents, but with an expectation in mind. Most business cards have simple details like contact information, a photo and possibly a catch phrase or company slogan. The one in my listing was a 5x7 glossy table tent that shouted in all bold caps:
"WHY PAY X % in commissions when you can list for FREE!"
As a current member of the ethics panel here in the state of Texas for the Texas Association of Realtors I can all but guarantee you that this type of "advertising" is unethical and a violation of our Realtor Code of Ethics.
Realtors cannot leave advertising flyers in other agents listings. A business card saying the same thing would be perfectly acceptable, but not something 6 or 7 times the size of typical business card. Not only this, but the table tent left had other violations including having his company font size 1/3 the size of the rest of the wording. That too is a violation. Article 12.
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