It is our fiduciary duty to NOT divulge personal information about our clients without permission. WE protect and promote our clients' interests while treating all parties honestly. There are just some personal things that a client does not want the public to know or feels it's none of their business.
Their life, their reasons for selling, their family life are all personal and it is not up to a Realtor® to give out that information unless the seller gives specific instructions to do so. We protect their interests.
When a client does ask that I divulge why they're moving/selling then I make sure to get it in writing and go as far as to include it in the special terms of the listing agreement. The seller signs off on the agreement and it is a specific part of the listing agreement.
The same goes for blogging, websites and other online advertising. Over the years I have read so many blogs and websites and wondered if they got written permission for all those testimonials, videos and pictures of their clients. I've written many myself and I DO HAVE WRITTEN PERMISSION to do so.
I also have a book of testimonials, cards, magazines, newspaper clippings (in plastic sheets) and keep adding to it as time goes on. (I really need to get on the ball and scan them all into a folder) More importantly, I have a permission form/testimonial for clients to sign should they agree to my using their testimonial, videos and pictures on websites, blogs and basically for advertising and marketing.
On the front page of my website, www.hawaiihomesmarket.com, I have two client testimonials and videos and specifically use them (with permission) for advertising. Everything on my website and blogs I wrote myself and all pictures and videos in my picture gallery are pictures I took myself.
Be original, be mindful and protect everyone's interest.
It's in everyone's best interest to get permission in writing to use anything that is NOT YOURS.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
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