Real Estate Training - Social Media Policies

Social Media Policies  - Best practice advice

Social Media policies are strongly recommended to be in place for all Real Estate offices.  Social media is fast becoming an area of possible risk and litigation. There have been a number of cases in Australia and overseas where employees have faced disciplinary action or loss of employment due to the misuse of social media.

Staff who have a private Facebook (or other social media) account should be provided a written policy and guidelines as to company expectations and what may be considered misuse.  Real Estate Excellence has an example social media policy that should be implemented and provided to all staff as part of any agency risk management and education procedure which is available to all Members.

If a business social media account has been set up for your agency, it is recommended that strict procedures are adhered to such as the quality and professionalism of the content posted plus a risk management system of how posts from consumers are to be managed. For example, is the account regularly reviewed (daily) to ensure that any inappropriate or unprofessional postings are either removed immediately or dealt with appropriately? How is your agency going to respond to negative comments or complaints from the public?

Agents are encouraged to consider social media accounts for their business in order to progress forward with technology and consumer demand on ways on how to communicate with your office and as a marketing strategy. In saying that it is recommended that agents do not move forward in this area until relevant training and polices are in place and if required professional advice sought on how to manage the accounts.

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