New Real Estate Domain name rule ??

**Codythebest** · 03-08-2008, 05:25 AM

My site's domain name has the name of the county I work in it.
My broker recently told me that I have to change it due to the new domain rule recently taken by NAR (?). She said no area name (no city name, county name, state name), no "MLS" allowed, etc...
Did you guys hear anything about this?
I believe this is quite huge since LOTS of agent are using their area of expertise in their Domain name...

**GringoBob** · 03-08-2008, 11:57 AM

another NAR brainfart ?

**Codythebest** · 03-08-2008, 01:05 PM

Still not sure at this point. I really need to confirm...

**Executive Home Buyer** · 03-08-2008, 09:10 PM

WOW!!!!!!!!!

Almost 1.5 years later and you STILL need to confirm this?????

I'm at a loss for words (which doesn't happen very often)!

Good luck Cody!

**HHI Golf Guy** · 03-09-2008, 03:45 AM

Using the word REALTOR in your domain name in conjunction with a location is a violation of the NAR trademark. The last I heard you could only use the word REALTOR in your domain name if the only other words were your own name. However, that may have changed.

Even if it hasn't changed yet, in the future the NAR could always change their minds, especially if the agent drops out of NAR membership. It's probably best to just keep the term REALTOR out of your domain name.

**Codythebest** · 03-09-2008, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by Executive Home Buyer

WOW!!!!!!!!!

Almost 1.5 years later and you STILL need to confirm this?????

I'm at a loss for words (which doesn't happen very often)!

Good luck Cody!

WOW...you knew that since 1.5 years ago???

Half of agents, if not more, use an area in their domain name today...
So I'm not alone to be confused...
I do not have the word Realtor in my domain, I do have the COUNTY name where I work.
And the broker said: NO CITY, NO COUNTY, NO STATE, NO COUNTRY, NO AREA NAME WHATSOEVER...

Now, google:
Malibu real esate
Miami real estate
Seattle real estate
New-York real estate
FOrt laud...

Well, you name it...Half of the agents out there...

So as I understand, Miamirealty.com...boom...out...Orlandohomes.com?.. .boom..out of the picture...phoenixforsale.com...out...etc...etc...e tc...

**HHI Golf Guy** · 03-09-2008, 07:44 AM

The NAR can't stop anyone from using city, state, or county names in their domain. The NAR can only protect its own intellectual property and trademarks.

**tsteuwer** · 03-21-2008, 06:39 AM

I'm positive that you can use your counties name. See the NAR code of ethics below:

[quote]
Standard of Practice 12-8
[LIST]The obligation to present a true picture in representations to the public includes information presented, provided, or displayed on REALTORS[FONT=Verdana]

**TomAnto** · 03-21-2008, 10:41 AM

This is interesting, where could I obtain a copy of a national Realtor code of ethics if there is such a thing?

I'm currently working on an article regarding legal codes of ethics and comparing to different fields such as doctors and pastors. This would fit nicely with what I'm working on.

**JJohnson1985** · 03-21-2008, 12:36 PM

The standards are on their web site I believe. I'm not sure if you need to be a member to view them or not.

I understand NAR wanting and being able to regulate the use of their trade mark, but real estate is local. It is all about location, location, location. I haven't looked into it but I can't see why or how they would not allow agents/brokers or whoever to use the location they work in as part of their domain address.

Again, I haven't looked into this at all but I am making a note and will be soon. I just purchased a couple domain names and my state is in each of them. This would be a bummer for me and I'm sure many, many more.