September 8, 2022
Presented by Trista Curzydlo, Esq.
1. 70 percent of home buyers “Googled” their real estate agent. Google yourself, your brokerage and your listings and see what your potential clients are seeing about you.
2. You can also “Google” your clients to find out more information about them. This can potentially vet out predators.
3. Develop a crisis policy before anything bad happens. One of the best ways to start is by asking yourself “What is the worst thing that can happen, and how am I going to respond both online and offline.”
4. In addition, anyone using the Internet for business should have a social media policy. It’s important to assess your risk for litigation on social media. The government (anti-trust, RESPA, Fair Housing, ADA, FTC), franchise agreements, NAR Code of Ethics, MLS Rules and Regulations, terms of use and brokerages guidelines apply on social media too.
5. Speaking against other brokerages and their business model on an online forum can be interpreted as anti-trust according to the Sherman Act.
6. Receiving in exchange for posting on social media is a potential section 8 RESPA violation. Example “Amazing closing @ABCTitle! Clients, you gotta use these guys! #totallyawesomeserviceandfreebooze
7. To avoid fair housing violations, only focus on property and not people. And always remember, ANYTHING posted on social media is an ad, whether you pay for it or not.
8. Side hustle. Can you use client information for other business? NO!
9. If you work with anyone’s personal information, it is important to have a security policy in place, and provide it to clients. Always get consent before sharing information.
10. Best practices for data security:
Physical security: lock up data and limit access
Digitally: Use a password managers and frequently reset
Regularly update software, apps and operating systems
Use antivirus software
Encrypt email messages