What Are the Rules for a Real Estate Agent Business Cards in Canada?

Business cards have kept their place in the hearts of real estate agents and their clients. These cards could either be simple and chic or innovative. In any case, there are some features that we better apply to these cards. A business card needs to be as informative as possible. Still, it should not get messy and loaded with written texts. After we know what we want from our business cards, we can go on and order them. There are various online printing suppliers such as Agent Print. These printing companies will then realize what we have on our minds on printed papers. So, let us see some of the features and rules a business card should come with. Here we will refer to the RECO. But you may check other associations and the criteria they require.

Include the Real Estate Agent Name

Most agents have their real estate business cards. So, these individualized cards need to have the information of their respective agent. Make sure the name is clear and readable. Also, remember that real estate agents are registered in the RECO. The name you add to the business card must be the same as the one registered. There is one more thing to remember. Are you working with a real estate company? Then go on and add their name, as well. What else must also come on the card? You have to mention the name of the brokerage that a broker or real estate company is working for. The purpose of these cards is to introduce yourself. Where you work and who you are, are determining factors. So, these pieces of information need to be on your card.

Add a Description Identifying Your Job Title

The other thing that needs to come on your card is the job title. Are you a broker, real estate agent, or agent of record? Then be sure it comes somewhere on your card. If you comply with the Canadian Real Estate Association members’ regulations, there are other terms to use. For example, you could use REALTOR® broker, REALTOR®, and REALTOR® salesperson. Plus, be sure to check the regulations each of the ten provinces presents. Note that a French equivalent such as représentant immobilier is also accepted. There is a guide for advertising provided by the RECO. There you can see the list of all the terms one may use.

Stick to the Facts

This point is the case for all advertising activities. You must support your claims. So, for example, suppose your slogan is "the agent with the most sales in the past year." But is it true? If not, do not include it on your card. Or if the claim is correct within your company, then add this part, as well.

Be Careful of the Pictures You Use

Again this point applies to all advertising media. The aim is not to use identifiable pictures. If you have a picture of a house you represented, it does not mean you can include it anywhere you want. If you are going to use a photo of somebody’s property or figure, ask for their consent.

Where Else Is the Consent of the Clients Needed?

Needing consent of the clients also matters with the information about your sales. Suppose you want to add your biggest sell so far. If the terms within the contract are included in what you are to publish, you may not be allowed to mention them. Again, seek the consent of your clients. This consent must be written and validated. Why is that? Because the truth is that the other party, your client, has the right to conceal this information. It is just as a patient would not want their case revealed to others. The same goes here.

Avoid Confusing Terms

While some terms are allowed for mentioned names, some are not. Any names that lead to confusion fall under this rule. For example, sales agents, sales associate, and or sales consultant is not valid. Be sure not to include them anywhere on your advertising media and business cards.

Avoid Misleading Information

This misleading information is not to give wrong ideas to all who read it. Even if it creates a sense of false impressions on some, the results are the same. Some of these claims are easily fact-checked. For example, the number one brokerage on the market can be misleading and false. The purpose is to mislead the readers. Thereby, these claims are to be avoided. One way to stop giving misleading information is to give facts and details. Most business cards are not that thorough on detailed descriptions. So, it is best to avoid this situation completely.

Have You Won an Award?

Is there an award that you think will add to your credibility? Then go and add the date and name of that award, as well. If you share this award with other agents, you must mention this fact. Do you, for any reason, not want this information on your card? Then, you have to forget about including it all together. Moreover, if the award has been paid for or purchased in anyways, it should not be listed.

Some Other Things to Consider:

While the following points may not be rules, it is best to consider them before finalizing your design of the business cards.

• 1. Keep your work professional. Make sure the pictures you include are not hastily taken. Let your card scream the level of professionalism you represent.
• 2. Use appropriate fonts that are eligible. Do not use childish or unprofessional fonts. Sans Serif has some legible fonts like Arial, Calibri, and Verdana.
• 3. Do not try to overdo it. Refrain from adding too much information to your business cards. After all, these cards are not your resume. These cards are supposed to introduce you and your business in general. It is no use mentioning all of your activity in the real estate business.
• 4. Try to make your cards as eye-catching as possible. Some of this quality comes from the design. The rest lies on the material of the card. The latter is dependent on the printing company from which you order. For example, on Agent Print, there are multiple business card qualities to choose from. There you can see that the suede card is the best quality offer. Still, you may check out different materials. Ultimately, you can see what fits your requirements best.

A real estate Agent? Agent Print is a one-stop sign and print shop for real estate agents and brokers. From real estate signs to branded marketing products and stationery, we offer the best quality at competitive prices.