GREC REnews, Vol. 7, Issue 1 (Jan. 2011)

January 2011 Volume 7 Issue 1

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Calendar
GREC Brokerage Course & Trust Accounts Class Dates:
February 2 & 3, 2011 Hall County Board (770) 534-1564 http://www.hallbor.com/
March 1 & 2, 2011 GIRE (800)633-3583 http://learningrealestate.com
March 10 & 11, 2011 Hinesville Area Board (912) 368-4227
http://www.hinesvillerealtors.com/
Click here to see GREC Disciplinary Sanctions
Happy New Year from
GREC!
Georgia Real Estate Commission
Suite 1000 International Tower 229 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303-1605 Phone 404-656-3916
Clipart from MicrosoftTMOffice

This Issue: Tech Tip & Advertising Reminders P.1-2
Focus on Terminology P. 2

Tech Tip & Advertising Reminders

Taking advantage of technology that makes the real estate professional's job easier is a great way to start the New Year. When using new techniques or technology the licensee must remain vigilant in complying with the License Laws, Rules and Regulations. Although it is not a recommendation to use any technique, this article is presented in an effort to give the licensee an example of how technology can be employed to aid the real estate professional and a reminder of the requirements for compliance with the Georgia Real Estate

contact info. For example, if the code were
included on a for-sale sign, a potential buyer who is driving down the street and has the application on his phone, could use his/her camera phone to take a picture of the code image and immediately go the web page (URL) for that property. The camera phone must have access to the internet and an application must be on the phone in order to read and interpret the image. Most of the applications are fee.
To find a conversion tool, just use a

License Laws, Rules and

Regulations.

This article introduces

the QR Code, the Quick

Response Code. The

graphic on the right is an

example. These codes

can be a valuable tool for

all

real

estate

licensees....and they are

generally free!

By using such a

graphic/code, a licensee

could direct prospects to

their property listing web

page, any text information

or data, or it could be

displayed on a business

card to provide further

This QR Code takes you to the Georgia Real Estate Commission School Home page.
Once you have an app on your cell phone, give
it a try.

search engine on the web for "QR code." Once you find a source to create the QR code, be sure there is no fee and all you have to do is enter the URL (web page address) for the property you are advertising. The graphic for the QR Code will be generated for you. Copy the graphic and you can include it on any advertisement. Not every phone has the application to read QR Codes, but it is increasing popular.
...continued on page 2

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GREC RENews January 2011, Volume 7 Issue 1
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...continued from page 1
A few items to remember about advertising real estate:
Any new tool must still follow all the old rules, meaning the License Law, Rules and Regulations. Clearly, any web page on the internet that provides information about a real estate listing must meet all those requirements. The following summarizes some of the basic requirements of advertising real estate:
If properties are advertised on websites of individual licensees, the firm name and number must also be stated and in a size greater or equal than that of the licensee.
Any licensee advertising any property on the Internet (or otherwise) must remove the advertisement within ten days after the expiration of the listing.
A licensee must obtain written permission to advertise the listing of another licensee, and the listing firm's name must still be stated in the advertising unless waived in writing by the listing broker. A licensee's website that links to another company's listings must include both companies' names and phone numbers and in equal or greater size than the licensee's data.
When advertising the services of a licensee, and not real estate listings, these specific advertising requirements do not apply. However, it is important to remember that no advertisement should be misleading. A licensee should state what company he/she represents for a myriad of reasons, including professional business practices.
For further information review the Advertising Section of the License Law, Rules and Regulations.

1.4 Acres For Sale
ABC Realty Inc. 404-333-5555
Jason Smith 404-222-7777

Property information can be any size, but all signage is subject to local zoning.
The Company Name must be of greater or equal size than the licensee Name.
The Company Phone Number must be of greater or equal size than the Licensee's Phone Number.

Written permission from the owner is required to advertise real estate in any type media.

Georgia Real Estate Commission
Suite 1000 International Tower 229 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30303-1605 Phone 404-656-3916

Focus on Terminology: "Advertising"
Advertising, media, marketing, signs, flyers, web pages, social media, internet postings...all these terms refer to tools and techniques that require compliance with the Georgia Real Estate License Law, Rules and Regulations. Some of the most common violations by licensees involve non-compliance with advertising regulations. If the Real Estate Commission issues a Citation for advertising, the licensee will be required to pay a fine between $100 and $600.
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