Code of Ethics

Federal DO-CALL-NOT

The Federal Do-Not-Call List went into effect October 1, 2003. It is important that every Realtor® takes the time to educate themselves on this new regulation. The following links provide step-by-step instructions on how to download the list. Also included is suggested policy to be adopted by real estate offices in order to be eligible for "Safe Harbor".

Frequently Asked Questions

As a Realtor® you are also able to access DNCQuickcheck – a service that makes “scrubbing” phone numbers against the list easier than ever. In order to access DNCQuickcheck, you first must register through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website (www.donotcall.gov) and obtain a Subscription Account Number (SANS number). Your SANS number will allow you to register on DNCQuickcheck. Take a moment to review the step-by-step presentation on how to register with the FTC and DNCQuickcheck.

Instructions on how to download list – Learn about the list, how to establish “Safe Harbor” and read frequently asked questions about the do-not-call regulations.
Step-by-step presentation on downloading list and DNCQuickcheck – See how to register with the Federal website and access DNCQuickcheck through this easy to follow presentation
Suggested Office Policy – In order to establish “Safe Harbor” for your office you must demonstrate that policies and procedures have been adopted to comply with the do-not-call regulations. This will help protect a Broker in case one of their agents calls a phone number on the do-not-call list. RAPB has provided an example of policy that an office can adopt.
Communication Consent Form –Unless they have written consent, Realtors must cease calling previous clients 18 months after the last business transaction. RAPB has created a sample communication consent form Realtors can have clients sign.

8 Ways On How To Deal With the Do Not Call Regulations

Look at the Do Not Call rules as an opportunity to spend more face time with clients and customers rather than as a business buster.
Pump up your direct-mail efforts, including just-sold and just-listed postcards
Increase your farm areas and hit them with direct mail and door-to-door visits.
Create newspaper advertisements that drive customers and clients to call you.
Design yard signs that are catchy and attractive, and that push customers and clients to call your office for more
information.
Upgrade and improve your Web site information and listings so that clients and customers call you, rather than the other way around.
nstead of calling FSBOS and expireds to ask for the listing, bring qualified buyers to them.
Don't get caught up in the hype. Real estate associates provide a valuable service to buyers and sellers and are hardly thought of as “phone solicitors.”

If the phone number is not on the list, can I call it in response to an expired listing or "For Sale By Owner"?
YES - You can call any number NOT on the list.

What if the phone number is ON the list?
Do not call the phone number to solicit your services unless: you have a personal relationship with that individual (family member or friend), you have the consumer's express written permission to call, or you have an "established business relationship" (up to 18 months after a transaction).

Can I call visitors to an open house who provide their phone numbers on a sign-in sheet?
The federal government has not yet provided a clear answer to this question. The safest course would be to provide some kind of notice on the sign-in sheet alerting visitors that they are consenting to receive a follow-up call, such as providing space on the sign-in sheet for visitors to include their name, telephone number, and a box next to each line allowing the visitors to check "yes" if they would like to receive a follow-up call.