Can I display a realtors listings on my website ?

Question

Hello, first post here.  Great resource it seems Ive found.  As well as looking to get started in buying and fixing up properties for resale, Im an IT jockey/web developer and a website ive developed has attracted the attention of a few independent realtors I know.

Are there any legal requirements for myself, the website owner, if I am simply allowing realtors to post their listings on my website ?  I am not a real estate broker and dont even have my license yet.

thanks in advance.

William Alston · Answer

Justin,

First having a website that does the things you mention under the fee structure you talked about is relatively harmless and for the most part not even on anyone's radar.

John Andre makes a good point above.
Why are you doing this?

I'm not trying to talk you out of this but I would point out two things, the real estate industry is fundamentally flawed and runs mainly on myths and misconceptions within the ranks of the agents/brokers.
Yet it is lucrative if you are skilled or skillfully guided but is a good place to get used if you don't have some reliable info.
The bulk of the people in it allows themselves to be lead by those above them and the leadership is entirely wrongheaded about things.
Have you noticed how bad things are?
The real estate industry did this to themselves as well as to all of us so look for a good reason to be a vendor or service provider to people that are despaeate and going broke.
Now the upbeat close of optimism..
are you ready? 
The real estate industry is going completely web based and if you have these skills you can make yourself comfortable in your new niche.
Some rules for web building

1. Get paid up front or don't do it
2 Learn about silo architecture/Latent Semantic indexing/keyword research
Without the above ingredients you will be out of business.

No realtors get this stuff so ask SEO people. If you want help finding teachers or online skill building that actually matters PM me.
Craigslist, Apple, etc all were once a guy with an idea so  hang onto yours. Just don't associate with people that want you to work for free no matter how excited they seem.

Account Closed · Answer

When I say "getting attention" - its nothing more than a few people I know who are either agents, or their spouse is an agent.  They really liked the idea of my website, since there wasnt anything like it for the area yet.

Well, my website is just starting out but its mainly just a business directory for the area I live in.  The real estate listings would be simply "content" that a user (in this case an agent) would post on the website.

Nothing more than classified ads really, some text, their photos, contact info, etc.

My role would simply be in charging the user for posting this content, say $5/listing per month.

Not much different than, say craigslist, but the postings would be directly on my website and with more features/pics, maps etc.

The real question though, is whether or not I can allow others to advertise property on my website.

I guess the only real task on my part would be to monitor the content users are posting for compliance with "fair housing laws" etc and respond to complaints.

John Andre · Answer

Realtors sometimes ask other Realtors if they can advertise there property. It makes the first Realtor look busy and could bring in more listings because the perception is (wow, they must be doing something right, I think I'll list my house with them!) It is more exposure for the real listing agent, so they usually do not mind. BUT, you are not a Realtor. So why are you doing this good deed. To look busier so other people say (wow, they must be doing something right, I think I'll talk with them!) ??

Harrison Painter · Answer

I would consult an attorney on this, just to be safe, as this is the type of issue that might vary from state to state.
            
            What kind of payments will you be receiving from this service? 
            
            If you are not licensed, you can not legally collect a referral fee based on a closing.
            
            If you are simply charging a monthly service fee, or a fee to post the property on your site, I would assume that there would not be an issue.
            
            I know that is not much of a definitive answer, but I would need clarification on how you plan to be compensated in order to give you a better opinion.

P.S. Welcome to the BP community!

Nick J. · Answer

crickets.....................

whats your website addy?

Account Closed · Answer

anyone ?