TREC advertising rules for team and agent websites

Team and agent websites are advertising under TREC rules. The broker name, team name, and even your web address need to follow them.

The broker name rule

Advertisements by Texas license holders must include the broker's name at least half the size of the largest contact information for any sales agent, associated broker, or team name in the ad. On a website, that means the broker's name has to be visible, not tucked in fine print.

Team names

• Must end in "team" or "group"
• Cannot use words like "brokerage," "company," or "associates" that suggest an independent brokerage
• Must be registered with TREC before you use them in advertising

Titles, URLs, and email addresses

A sales agent may not use a title, email address, or web address that implies responsibility for a brokerage, such as "owner" or "CEO." Check domain names and email addresses as well as page text.

A website checklist

• Broker name in the header or footer of every page, at the required size
• Team name exactly as registered
• Any consumer notices TREC requires on websites, linked where the rules say
• No implied brokerage titles in the domain, emails, or bios
• The same checks on landing pages, ads, and social profiles

Frequently asked questions

Does the broker name rule apply to a team website?

Yes. Team and agent websites are advertising, and TREC's broker name requirements apply.

Do team names need to be registered?

Yes. TREC says team names must be registered before they are used in advertising.

Sources

• Texas Real Estate Commission, "TREC's Advertising Rules: What You Need to Know"↗