Since the beginning of time, advertising has been the most suitable method to promote any type of business. In the real estate sector, real estate ads are indispensable to attract potential buyers and must follow advertising standards according to their status.
A practice that consists of not disclosing important information in the ad is called a blind ad. This is is considered illegal in most states. A blind ad is another real estate term that deals with communicating in an illegal fashion such as puffing.
In this article we will review the most relevant facts and aspects about this practice, which continues to generate confusion.
Read on and find out what Blind Ads In Real Estate are all about.
Table of Contents
- What are Real Estate Blind Ads?
- Why are Blind Ads Illegal?
- How to Identify a Blind Ad Real Estate?
- A Real Estate Ad is Your Ally: Follow These Tips
What are Real Estate Blind Ads?
The definition of a Blind Ad is very simple: They are advertisements where the advertiser does not disclose their information. In the case of real estate, they are ads where there is no information about your name, status and license. Generally, only a phone number, email or address is visible, without any other details that would allow identifying who it is.
Let’s remember that a legitimate real estate advertisement gives enough information about the real estate broker or agent behind the publication. This means greater reliability at the time of a possible transaction and is in accordance with the laws of most States.
Blind Ads, are not only considered unethical, but are illegal in most parts of the country.
When Are Blind Ads Illegal?
Blind ads are allowed as long as they are used by the owners of the property (not licensed agent). That is, they are not related to the real estate sector and do not have a license. It is important to clarify this point: not all blind ads are illegal.
It is considered illegal when a real estate agent or broker is the one who lists a property and omits his or her information or identity in the advertisement. Basically, not disclosing the license status in a real estate ad is illegal in almost every state.
How to Identify a Blind Ad Real Estate?
It is very simple to identify a blind ad, remember that in some cases they are allowed if the owners of the property are the ones who use it.
However, if upon contacting the advertiser, you discover that it is a real estate agent or broker, then it is considered illegal.
Here are the key points to identify a blind ad:
- They do not include the name of the person posting the ad.
- They have only one method of contact: a number, mailing or address.
- There is no information about a real estate license.
You may discover that it is indeed a blind ad when you call the “owner” and arrange a visit and find out that he or she is a licensed real estate agent. It is blind advertising because you were never aware that an agent or broker was handling the transaction.
A Real Estate Ad is Your Ally: Follow These Tips
Advertising has been and will continue to be an effective method of getting your business known. If you are a real estate agent or broker, your reputation will be built on the awareness of your name and the legality of the transactions you conduct. Without a doubt, using blind ads is going to hurt your career significantly.
- You must identify the name of your brokerage.
- You can connect your main ad with an electronic ad where you give more details.
- You cannot use abbreviations or nicknames.
- In the case of agents, you must place your broker’s name in the ad.
Real estate professionals must be thoroughly familiar with all the rules and restrictions regarding the practice of their profession in the state where they are located. Therefore, it is important that you use the ads as your ally and do not leave out your license, name and contact information.
If you thinking about becoming a real estate agent, consider taking one of our free real estate practice exams to see if a career as a real estate agent is right for you.
