The question arose as to why HouseBlvd’s logos don’t say “Realtor®”. It’s very simple. At House Blvd, initial designs of shirts, caps, and totes did say “Realtor®”. However, the National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) legal department contacted House Blvd to “cease and desist”, due to violation of the Realtor® trademark. Though House Blvd’s creator is a licensed, professional, and active Realtor® affiliated with a national real estate company, NAR explained that not all agents purchasing our marketing merchandise are Realtors®, and therefore, the Realtor® trademark is prohibited.

Did you know that the word “Realtor®” is trademarked in appearance and font? Also, did you know that “Realtor®” can’t have any words added to it, such as “Best Realtor®”, “Your Realtor®”, “Professional Realtor®”, “Neighborhood Realtor®”, or “Licensed Realtor®”? “Realtor®” is not permitted in domain names, such as www.RealtorPartner.com. Finally, “Realtor®” can’t be used in email addresses, such as RealtorPartner@gmail.com. If you see any usage of “Realtor®” in this manner, just know that the National Association of Realtors® considers this as a violation of the Realtor® trademark.

According to the National Association of Realtors®:

“Any product coming to the attention of the Board which is being manufactured or sold with the REALTOR® MARKS and which is not otherwise authorized by this Manual should be brought to the attention of the Legal Affairs Department of the National Association, if the product does not indicate it is licensed by the National Association.

Non-members may not produce or print various items bearing the REALTOR® MARKS except when authorized to do so by the National Association or pursuant to a contract with a Member or Member Board, within the terms discussed above.”

House Blvd respects and upholds the NAR’s Realtor® trademark, and redesigned all shirts, caps, and totes to market “Real Estate Agent”. We’ve added “Real Estate Agent” to our real estate agent gifts, Fido Fashion, and all other marketing products. We’re marketing our real estate agents products with complete compliance, and with full respect to every Agent, whether you are a real estate agent, or a Realtor®.

Do you believe that the NAR is too stringent with the Realtor® trademark, or do you think that Realtors® don’t take the trademark seriously enough? If you have any comments on this Realtor® trademark issue, feel free to share.

Read more about trademark information at the National Association of Realtor’s website at: http://www.realtor.org/letterlw.nsf/pages/mmmPartFive#FiveI

In 2007, we, as agents, weren’t sure what 2008 might bring to the real estate market. Just a few months ago, the chorus of good-timings that an Election Year could bring engendered hope. However, having entered 2008, most realize this year will historically be remembered as a continued downward slump, and for Realtors, our livelihood is affected. While Realtors are actually leaving this market, for devoted Realtors, 2008 is an opportune time to rise above the remaining competition. Continued real estate marketing is key to visibility, ongoing outreach, and success.

HouseBlvd offers easy, affordable, and visible real estate marketing for any Realtor. With real estate agent’s shirts, caps, children’s clothes, open house signs, and more, Realtors are immediately branded to the public. Less expensive and quicker than mailings, less bothersome than distributing business cards daily, and less intrusive than being a “sales shark”, real estate marketing with fun Realtor clothing allows the public to immediately recognize who you are and what you do.

Shop HouseBlvd today, enjoy your agent branding, and hang in there through 2008!