Fair Housing Act Issues in Advertising

Broker Beware! Does your advertising comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act? How about the advertising of sponsored licensees?

I'm sure that most of you understand the basics of equal opportunity and fair housing and would never intentionally violate the law, however as I surf the net and visit various websites, I have noticed a common area of non-compliance with HUD advertising guidelines.

It is important for both broker owners and associated licensees to understand that advertising has been defined as any media that promotes an item for sale.

Do you put or link listings to Facebook? Advertising. My Space? Advertising. Twitter? Advertising. company or personal web page? Advertising. Blog? Advertising. Do you use the equal opportunity logo or language? If not, you probably should.

Broker Owners, do you have a written policy regarding advertising and advertising requirements that your associated licensees understand and comply with? If not, you probably should.

Just a little tip I hope you find helpful. Mike Fair, Illinois Academy of Real Estate, an equal opportunity educator.