How to Advertise, Brand & Find Critical Docs

Advertising Requirements

New York’s real estate advertising regulations cover all promotion and solicitation related to licensed real estate activity, including but not limited to, advertising via mail, telephone, websites, internet, social media, e-mail, electronic bulletin boards, business cards, signs, billboards and flyers.

The New York Department of State (DOS) has prepared an advertising checklist and guidance to help licensed real estate brokers and salespeople comply with these regulations and advertise properly. Following these rules may help you avoid fines or other discipline and help protect the public from misleading or inappropriate advertising.

NYS Real Estate
Advertising Checklist

NYS Real Estate
Advertising Guidance

NYS Real Estate
Advertising Regulations

Social Media Tool Kit

LIBOR has put together a series of graphics for you to use to share your new REALTOR® membership with your colleagues, friends, and family across social media.
Access Here

bigstock-Business-man-looking-at-phone--190765609

Business Card FAQ

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A. All business cards must contain the following information:

business address of the licensee; and
the name of the real estate broker (if an individual solo broker) or real estate brokerage (if a corporate brokerage) with whom the associate real estate broker or real estate salesperson is associated; and
the office telephone number for the associate real estate broker, real estate salesperson or team.

A. Yes. As long as the licensee’s assigned office number is on the card. The preferred phone number must include a description of the type of phone number (cell, office, etc.).

A. Yes, as long as the assigned office number is on the card. If the licensee wants to bring attention to the preferred phone number, he/she may do so.

Advertising FAQ

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A. Yes, the name of the real estate brokerage, as it appears on the license, must be displayed in any advertisement.

A. The use of incorrect license titles such as "licensed sales agent" or simply "broker" is inappropriate. Correct license titles include Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Associate Broker, and Real Estate Salesperson, whichever is applicable. Also, associate brokers and salespersons cannot use corporate officer titles (e.g.., president, vice president, etc...) in their advertisements. Corporate officer titles may be used only by the brokers of record.

A. While nicknames are permitted, a licensee’s full licensed name must also be included in the advertisement. Middle names and initials may be omitted. If a licensee uses only a nickname in advertisements, they would violate the regulations. An example of a proper advertisement using a nickname is: Susan (Sue) Smith.

A. Team Names" are allowed provided: 1) the full licensed name(s) of the "team members" are included in the "Team Name;" or 2) the "Team Name" is followed by: "at/of (full name of the brokerage)." The term “Team” must also appear in the name and using other terms such as "associate," "realty" or "group" is prohibited. While “Teams” may use their own logos, their advertisements must also contain the logo or name of their sponsoring brokerage.

A. Posting houses for sale or promoting yourself as a real estate licensee on Instagram, Facebook, or any other social media outlet, is considered an advertisement, and you must follow the New York State advertising regulations. All of New York State’s advertising rules apply on social media, including identifying the name that appears on your license and your license type, your brokerage name, and your broker’s office address or office telephone number. Consider making sure your social media pages follow the New York Department of State Checklist of Real Estate Advertising, which is available here. LIBOR has also prepared a list of best practices to help members avoid legal issues while maintaining a strong social media presence.

New York State
Required Disclosure Forms

Pursuant to Article 12 A of the New York State Real Property Law §443, real estate licensees must present the New York State Agency Disclosure Form to sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants for their signatures at the first substantive contact. Real estate licensees in New York are also required to present the New York State Housing and Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form to all prospective purchasers, tenants, sellers or landlords of all real property upon first substantive contact. Real estate licensees must also provide all prospective tenants at first substantive contact with a Notice Disclosing Tenants’ Rights to Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities.

New York State Disclosure Form for Buyer and Seller

pdf, 555 KB

New York State Housing and Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form

pdf, 81 KB

New York State Disclosure Form for Landlord and Tenant

pdf, 545 KB

Notice Disclosing Tenants’ Rights To Reasonable Accommodations For Persons With Disabilities

pdf, 103 KB

Helpful Forms & Documents

LIBOR provides members access to New York State required forms and documents, as well as other forms and documents that will assist you in your business, including MLS Listing Agreements and forms.

To help you get started, some useful documents located on the Documents On Demand page include:

Audio Recording Device Disclosure Form

Audio Recording Device Notice (Buyer/Tenant)

NYS Independent Contractor Relationship Agreement for Use by Brokers

Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement

OneKey® MLS Offer Acknowledgement Form

Exclusive Buyer Rep Agreement

NY State Housing and Anti-Discrimination Notice

Visit Documents on Demand for More