The Compliance Checklist: Ensuring Legitimacy in Real Estate Calling

Posted In | CRM | Help Desk | Calling Solution | Real Estate, Contractors & Construction

Compliance may not be the most exciting aspect of real estate calling but it is certainly one of the most important. Making sure your real estate calling practices are in line with the law is crucial in maintaining the trust of your clients and avoiding legal issues. This article provides a compliance checklist that will help you ensure legitimacy in real estate calling.
 

1. Understand the Laws

Your first step should be to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations surrounding real estate calling. This includes, but is not limited to, understanding the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the Do Not Call Registry, and any local state laws that may apply. These laws dictate what you can and can't do when it comes to cold calling or telemarketing and violating them can lead to severe penalties.
 

2. Get Consent

Before you make a call, it’s important to ensure you have the necessary consent. Under the TCPA, for instance, you need express written consent to make a telemarketing call to a cell phone using an automatic dialing system or pre-recorded voice. This rule applies even if the number isn’t on the National Do Not Call Registry.
 

3. Maintain a Do Not Call List

Every business that makes outbound calls is required to maintain its own Do Not Call list. This list should include anyone who has specifically requested not to receive further calls from your business. Make sure to honor these requests and update your list regularly to stay in compliance.
 

4. Train Your Staff

Compliance isn’t just about understanding the rules yourself; it’s also about ensuring your staff understands them. Provide regular training to your staff about compliance and make sure they understand the legal implications of non-compliance.
 

5. Keep Records

Keeping detailed records of your calls can help you prove your compliance in case of a dispute. This should include the time and date of the call, the purpose of the call, and the outcome of the call. If consent was given, keep a record of that too.
 

Following these steps will not only help you stay in compliance with the law, but it will also build trust with your clients. Remember, compliance isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process that needs to be regularly reviewed and updated.