ICIWorld® Beta Service
Maximum Real Estate Exposure With Greater Privacy and Control
Confidential inquiry screening for real estate brokers and salespeople who want the benefits of Internet and social media exposure without making their personal contact information available to everyone.
Social Media and the Internet: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Internet and social media provide extraordinary opportunities for real estate marketing, networking and worldwide exposure. They also expose real estate professionals and the public to spam, misleading inquiries, information gatherers, impersonators, fraud attempts and sophisticated scams.
Whenever information is advertised on an MLS®, an Information Listing Service, a website, a social media platform or another public Internet service, it may attract both legitimate prospects and people whose intentions are uncertain.
Internet Security and Protection Are Everyone’s Responsibility
Buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, brokers and salespeople should remain informed about online security, fraud prevention and identity protection.
We encourage everyone using ICIWorld to review our security and protection information before responding to unfamiliar inquiries or sharing confidential information.
Why Some Real Estate Professionals Want Greater Confidentiality
Some real estate brokers and salespeople have chosen not to use social media. Others previously used it but later reduced or discontinued their participation for personal, business, privacy or security reasons.
They may still want their Haves, Wants, listings, opportunities and services promoted online. However, they may not want their personal telephone number, direct email address or other contact information exposed to the entire world.
Common Concerns Include:
- Fraudulent or misleading inquiries.
- People attempting to collect confidential information.
- Unqualified or unidentified callers.
- Spam, automated messages and unwanted solicitations.
- Time-consuming inquiries from people who are not ready or able to proceed.
- Personal contact information being copied, stored or redistributed.
- Increasingly sophisticated impersonation and online fraud.
Professional Qualification Is One of the Reasons the Public Hires a Real Estate Professional
Licensed real estate brokers and salespeople are trained to ask questions, verify information, identify warning signs, protect confidential information and help consumers make informed decisions.
Buying, selling, leasing or investing in real estate may be one of the largest transactions of a person’s life. Working with a qualified real estate professional adds experience, guidance, negotiation skills, market knowledge and an additional level of protection.
Many of the services provided by real estate professionals are not immediately visible. Consumers regularly rely on brokers and salespeople for opinions of value, pricing guidance, market feedback, due diligence, negotiation assistance and help recognizing potential risks.
Now Being Considered
ICIWorld® Confidential Inquiry Screening and Broker Representation
ICIWorld is exploring an optional beta service for members who want their real estate information promoted online while allowing another licensed real estate broker to serve as the initial point of contact.
Under this proposed service, ICIWorld would receive and conduct an initial screening of inquiries on behalf of a participating member.
The Service Could Include:
- Receiving initial telephone calls, emails or online inquiries.
- Clearly stating that the inquiry is being handled on behalf of another ICIWorld member.
- Obtaining the caller’s or correspondent’s name and contact information.
- Asking basic questions about their real estate requirements, timing and ability to proceed.
- Recording inquiries in a contact log.
- Making the inquiry details available to the participating member.
- Reducing unnecessary exposure of the member’s personal contact information.
- Referring potentially legitimate opportunities to the member for further follow-up and professional qualification.
How the Proposed Beta Service Would Work
1. The member requests confidential inquiry handling.
The member decides which Have, Want, listing, opportunity or advertisement will use ICIWorld as the initial contact.
2. The information is marketed online.
The opportunity may receive exposure through ICIWorld, participating websites, email distribution, social media or other approved marketing channels.
3. ICIWorld receives the initial inquiry.
The caller or correspondent is advised that ICIWorld is responding on behalf of another licensed real estate professional.
4. Basic information is requested and recorded.
The initial inquiry is documented, including the person’s stated requirements and available contact details.
5. The information is provided to the member.
The participating member receives the inquiry details and decides whether and how to continue.
6. The member completes all further due diligence.
The member remains responsible for further qualification, representation, agency disclosure, documentation, regulatory compliance, negotiations and transaction decisions.
Proposed Referral Arrangement
During the beta stage, this service may be provided in consideration of a previously agreed referral fee, such as 10% of the commission earned from a completed transaction resulting from the referred inquiry.
Any referral arrangement should be confirmed in writing in advance and remain subject to the laws, regulations, brokerage policies, licensing requirements, codes of ethics and professional obligations applicable to everyone involved.
Important Limitations
No screening process can guarantee that every person is genuine, financially qualified, properly identified or acting in good faith.
Fraudsters and impersonators continually develop more sophisticated methods. An initial screening service may help identify obvious warning signs and reduce unnecessary interruptions, but it cannot replace independent professional due diligence.
Members, buyers, sellers and other participants must continue to verify identities, financial capability, authority, ownership, documentation and all material facts before relying upon information or proceeding with a transaction.
Professional Responsibility Remains With the Participating Member
This proposed service is intended to assist participating members. It does not replace the member’s responsibilities to their client, customer, brokerage, regulator, real estate board or professional association.
The participating broker or salesperson remains responsible for determining whether an inquiry should be pursued and for complying with all applicable laws, disclosure requirements, agency obligations, privacy requirements, advertising rules, professional standards and brokerage policies.
Who May Benefit From This Service?
- Members who do not wish to maintain personal social media accounts.
- Members who want exposure without publishing their direct personal contact information.
- Members who receive excessive spam or unwanted inquiries.
- Members promoting confidential Haves or Wants.
- Members temporarily unavailable to answer initial inquiries.
- Members who prefer another licensed professional to provide the first level of screening.
- Members who want to test social media and Internet marketing with greater control over incoming communications.
Maximum Exposure. Controlled Access. Professional Follow-Up.
Real estate professionals should not have to choose between remaining invisible online and exposing all of their personal contact information to the world.
Should ICIWorld Offer This Service?
This service is presently being considered as a beta test. We would appreciate feedback from ICIWorld members, real estate brokers and salespeople, buyers, sellers, investors and members of the public.
Would confidential inquiry screening make you more comfortable promoting real estate information through the Internet and social media?
Please tell us whether this should become an official ICIWorld service, how you would use it and what protections or procedures you believe should be included.
Work With Licensed Real Estate Professionals
Whether you are buying, selling, leasing, investing or promoting a confidential real estate opportunity, a licensed real estate broker or salesperson can help you evaluate information, protect your interests and navigate the process.
General Notice: This page describes a proposed beta service and is provided for discussion and feedback. It is not a guarantee of protection, qualification, identity verification, financial capability, transaction completion or freedom from fraud. All participants remain responsible for their own independent verification, professional advice, legal compliance, brokerage approval and due diligence. Any referral arrangement must be documented and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, brokerage policies, licensing requirements and professional rules.