Question

New salesperson Nicole notices that several non-REALTOR® licensees at her firm include the REALTOR® designation on their business cards and websites, so she decides to do the same. She's planning to join soon anyway. Did she do anything wrong?

a) Yes
b) No

Answer 1

Nicole did indeed commit an error by using the REALTOR® designation before she officially joined the organization, which is a misuse of a trademarked term and misrepresents her professional affiliation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, Nicole did something wrong by including the REALTOR® designation on her business cards and websites before officially joining the organization. The REALTOR® designation is a trademarked term that signifies membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This membership conveys that the individual adheres to a strict code of ethics and has access to a variety of business services. Non-members are not permitted to use this designation. By using the REALTOR® designation prematurely, Nicole is misrepresenting her status to clients and could face legal implications for trademark infringement. It is essential for all real estate professionals to accurately present their credentials and affiliations to maintain integrity and trust in the industry.