Remember risks when online

To protect yourself and your broker from liability issues, it is beneficial for a real estate professional to be aware of the inherent risks of online activities, according to real estate agent and nationally recognized technology expert Amy Chorew.

“As new technologies and web resources are developed, real estate professionals are able to use innovative techniques and strategies for connecting with prospects and serving clients,” said Chorew. “It is crucial that you, as a real estate professional, develop and maintain an online presence. However, your online activities can expose you and your broker to risk.”

Chorew says Realtors® can sometimes forget about some of the risks of being online. She said it is important for Realtors® to not place unnecessary risk on their employer through the misuse of web resources. These risks include unauthorized distribution of confidential information, false endorsements, intellectual property violations, harassment and invasion of privacy.

She identifies four types of internet use risks:

• Legal: Risk stems from the misuse of online content, potential violations of trademarks and copyrights, and potential violations of agency relationships and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Practical: Risk may be faced regarding compliance with a real estate brokerage firm’s social media policy. Social media may be misused and abused by employees and agents.
• Ethical: Risk raised by violations of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The risk also stems from the obligations imposed by any other professional organization or institute.
• Regulatory: Risk stems from violations of rules of state licensing organizations and by violating policies of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, or regulations imposed by NAR, state and local associations and the Multiple Listing Service.

Chorew will be offering a real estate education session titled ‘Tech Agent: Managing Your Risks & Reputation’ during the 2011 Triple Play Realtor® Convention & Trade Expo, from Dec. 6-8 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

“This class will teach Realtors® how to use content such as social media without violating plagiarism and making sure you are in compliance with the code of ethics,” she said.  “If you have a big presence online, it could get you in trouble. I provide practical information to safely expand your presence as well as keep out of jail cards.”

Chorew is a licensed real estate agent in Connecticut and a nationally recognized technology expert who specializes in helping managers and agents maximize the opportunities that technology offers them.  She has helped educate Realtors® on social networking and the impact it is having on the industry, giving agents and brokers the tools to move from traditional marketing to Web 2.0 marketing.

Triple Play is co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York State Associations of Realtors®.