Is it ethical for a large real estate firm to block email from a specific agency or agent without their agents knowing? If this firm and it's agents are "Realtors" does this violate the code of ethics policy we all agree to uphold? With email being a primary source of contact for many does this not put clients of a firm actively blocking email in jeopardy and do them a disservice? I am curious what others think.
Keller Williams Greenville Upstate - Greenville, SC
Homes For Sale Greenville SC
Hi Ginny. First of all, in my opinion, NO it's not ethical. That grates at me.
Second, welcome to Active Rain! This is a great community for learning as well as sharing. Check out some groups, and go read blogs from all over. Watch out though - it's addictive!
I look forward to reading your future posts. Again welcome!
May 18, 2008 03:22 PM
Boston Connect Real Estate - Hanover, MA
Thanks for the welcome Bill- I deleted my second post because what I meant to say was that I also believe it is un-ethical for companies to do this. This business is tough enough without large companies black balling each other or even worse- the little guys.
May 18, 2008 03:27 PM
Pam Winterbauer Real Estate - San Ramon, CA
"Providing Blue Ribbon Service"
Ginny.....Welcome to active rain. We had something like that happen in my area. The company blocking the email took the position that is was their corporate email and they had the right to read and block whatever mail they wanted. It was pretty ugly.
Personally I don't feel they had the right to do that.
May 18, 2008 03:31 PM
SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ
Mike Jones NMLS 223495
Ginny,
I just saw that you joined Active Rain today, and so I came by to say WELCOME to a fantastic community! Come on over and read my posts; when you comment, we'll reciprocate!
Much Success,
Mike in Tucson
May 18, 2008 04:47 PM
The Mortgage & Property Connection - Campbell, CA
Silicon Valley Real Estate
Welcome to the Rain, make sure that you browse the site and become familiar with everything this site has to offer. The more you browse the more you will learn. I have found this site to be really helpful to me. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me, I will do whatever I can to help.
May 19, 2008 02:27 AM
Keller Williams Greater Omaha - Omaha, NE
Welcome to ActiveRain!
If you would like a few tips on getting the most out of ActiveRain, please visit my blog Welcome to Active Rain. It has a few simple steps of what to do now that you have joined.
If you ever have any questions, just let me know.
Troy Trumm
May 19, 2008 05:58 AM
REATA Commercial Realty, Inc. - Plano, TX
I do believe it is within the company's right to block email and/or read email of people in their company. I have been in the business for over 24 years and have employed many people. The company assumes liability with every person they, sponsor as an agent, hire as an employee, or "hire" as an independent contractor. They definitely have the right to monitor the business activiites of those people.
What I don't understand is why a company would do this without telling their agents and employees. If there is a good reason to block someone or some company, they shouldn't do it quietly. They should make sure that everyone understands why it was necessary. Employees and agents could be dealing with that same company or person via telephone, snail mail, or by other means. With proper explanation, those avenues of contact might be cut off as wll volunarily.
May 19, 2008 10:02 AM
Anonymous
Hi Bob,
I understand the companies liability issues but when they choose to essentially boycott an entire agency it makes no sense. Two large firms in my area have blocked each other and it is ridiculous because they have agents working on transactions together everyday. This forces the agents to give out personal email to keep the line of communication open.
I was really curious what otehr thought about this. Thanks for the reply.
May 19, 2008 10:31 AM
#10
R & D Art - Knoxville, TN
WordPress Guru
Ginny, Welcome to the best network around. It is great to have you hear among us and I wish you much success here.
May 19, 2008 12:36 PM
KEIRE Realty Group - Manassas, VA
Principal Broker/Owner
Hello Ginny,
Welcome to Active Rain and congrats on your first post! The opportunities to learn and network are incredible here. Best of luck to ya!
-Keith
May 19, 2008 04:13 PM
EXP Realty of Canada Inc., Brokerage - Pickering, ON
Durham Region Real Estate Blog
I just stopped by to welcome you to Active Rain. I hope that you find it a great benefit to your business and that you see the value that I have also found here. I am from Charlottesville Virginia and using Active Rain has really increased my business!
My main blog on Active Rain is here: Charlottesville Real Estate Blog, not the link at the bottom of this post.
I hope you will look into the many groups as there are some great group both local and broad based,....
enjoy!
May 20, 2008 11:25 AM
Comments(12)