What is a “blind ad” in real estate?

When you're studying for your real estate exam, it's important to know all of the terminology that will be on the test. One term you may come across is "blind ad." A blind ad is a real estate ad where the seller does not include their name or contact information in the ad. This can be beneficial for sellers who are trying to sell their home discreetly, or who are uncomfortable with having strangers contacting them about their home.

Are blind ads illegal?

No, but there are some restrictions on what information can be included in a blind ad. For example, a seller cannot include false or misleading information in their ad. Another example is that a seller cannot use a blind ad to discriminate against buyers based on race, religion, or other protected characteristics.

The best practices to avoid blind ads

If you're a real estate agent, it's important to be aware of the potential legal risks associated with blind ads. To avoid these risks, the National Association of Realtors recommends that agents:

• Advise their clients not to include false or misleading information in their ad
• Advise their clients not to use discriminatory language in their ad
• Advise their clients to include all relevant information about the property in the ad
• Include a disclaimer in the ad that the seller's name and contact information have been withheld at the seller's request.

As a potential real estate agent, it's important to be familiar with the term "blind ad." If you come across a blind ad while studying for your exam, now you'll know exactly what it is and what to look out for.

What is a silent ad in real estate?

A silent ad is similar to a blind ad, in that the seller's name and contact information are not included in the ad. However, a silent ad also does not include any information about the property itself. This type of ad is often used by sellers who are trying to sell their home quickly and quietly, without drawing attention to it.

What is the difference between the two types of ads?

The main difference between a blind ad and a silent ad is that a blind ad includes some information about the property, while a silent ad does not. This means that buyers will know more about the property before they contact the seller in a blind ad, but they will know less about the property in a silent ad.

Details a blind ad must have

• Contact information for the broker or salesperson responsible for the ad
• The street address of the property
• An indication that the seller's name and contact information have been withheld at the seller's request
• A statement that potential buyers should contact the broker or salesperson responsible for the ad to learn more about the property.

As a real estate agent, it's important to be familiar with the term "blind ad." If you come across a blind ad while studying for your exam, now you'll know exactly what it is and what to look out for. By advising your clients not to include false or misleading information in their ad, and by including a disclaimer in the ad that the seller's name and contact information have been withheld at the seller's request, you can help to avoid any potential legal risks associated with blind ads.

If you want to see some examples of questions that will be on the actual real estate exam, check out our free real estate practice exam. We have been named as the best real estate exam practice for 7 years in a row!

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