Social media is a fantastic way to connect with clients and promote your real estate services, but as a Realtor®, you must follow important guidelines. Here’s a simple breakdown of the rules you need to know to stay compliant with New Jersey Real Estate Commission (NJREC) regulations and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Code of Ethics.
1. Include Your Brokerage Information
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Always include your brokerage’s official name in every post.
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The brokerage name must be larger or more prominent than your name.
2. Identify Your Role Clearly
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State your professional title (e.g., Salesperson, Broker-Salesperson, Referral Agent).
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Referral agents must indicate their role and cannot imply they handle transactions.
3. Be Transparent with Contact Info
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If you share your personal phone or email, you must include your brokerage’s office number too.
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Label all numbers clearly (e.g., “mobile” or “office”).
4. Advertise Properties Accurately
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Only say a property is "sold" after the sale is finalized.
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Use “under contract” if a deal is pending but hasn’t closed yet.
5. Avoid Discriminatory Language
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Do not post anything that suggests a preference or limitation based on race, religion, sex, disability, or other protected classes.
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Always promote Fair Housing values.
6. Truthful Claims Only
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Be honest in your posts. If you reference things like down payments or financing, include qualifiers like “to a qualified buyer” or “estimated.”
7. NAR Code of Ethics: Key Points
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Be honest: Make sure your posts are accurate and not misleading.
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Be inclusive: Promote equal housing opportunities.
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Respect competition: Avoid negative comments about other Realtors® or their business.
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Get permission: You can only advertise properties listed by another broker with written consent.
8. Social Media Best Practices
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Keep it clear: Make sure your posts are easy to read and follow all rules.
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Stay positive: Avoid negative or misleading language.
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Use visuals wisely: Include inclusive, professional images in your posts.
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Monitor comments: Remove anything inappropriate or misleading that others post.
Social media is a great way to grow your business, but staying compliant with NJREC and NAR guidelines is essential. Always be transparent, inclusive, and professional in your posts.
If you have questions about these rules or need help with your advertising, NCJAR is here to assist. Let’s work together to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics on social media!
