Comment

Comment by David Dee on February 17, 2010 at 6:46pm

There is certainly alot of restrictions on the usage of the word "Realtor". On top of that we have to use the (r) after it too.

Comment by Wendy Rulnick on February 13, 2010 at 6:20am

Stephen - The use of the word "Realtor" is so limited by NAR. Maybe they should just change the term to NAR member :)

Comment by Stephen B. McWilliam on February 12, 2010 at 2:53am

3. Context-of-use limitation. Perhaps the most difficult to understand, this limitation requires that the marks be used only to refer to a person’s status as a member, not to an occupation. For this reason, uses such as “No. 1 REALTOR®,” “Your REALTOR®,” or “Professional REALTOR®” are incorrect. Such uses are improper because the REALTOR® marks are supposed to distinguish between members and nonmembers. They’re not intended to promote one member over another.

A simple rule of thumb to use when trying to determine whether a particular use of the REALTOR® marks is proper under this limitation is to substitute the phrase “member of NAR” for the term “REALTOR®.” If the meaning of the sentence doesn’t change, you’re probably using the term correctly. If the meaning changes, you’d need to substitute the words “real estate broker” or “real estate salesperson” in order to comply with correct trademark use. For example, a sentence such as “REALTORS® will benefit from the lower interest rates” is incorrect because all real estate brokers and salespeople, not just members of NAR, would benefit.

Another common context error is using descriptive words or phrases with the REALTOR® marks. NAR’s bylaws expressly prohibit this practice. For example, “residential REALTOR®” is improper because “residential” is a descriptive word being used to modify the term REALTOR®. Geographic descriptive terms, such as the names of communities, cities, and states—for instance, Wisconsin REALTOR®—are also prohibited. Geographic descriptions may be used in the names of state and local REALTOR® associations, however.

Comment by Stephen B. McWilliam on February 12, 2010 at 2:49am

Actually, " Certified Short Sale Professional Realtors" is a violation of the terms of use of the REALTOR® trademark. One cannot put an adjective prior to the word REALTOR®. Don't shoot the messenger.

Comment by David Dee on February 11, 2010 at 6:34pm

Richard, that is something new. wow