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Sam Shueh, mba, cdpe, reopro, pe (   (408) 425-1601)

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Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

As the wife and daughter and granddaughter of veterans and the niece of someone who lost his life defending the freedoms our flag stands for I  believe in honoring and reverence of the flag.  The United States flag code section 176. (i) prohibits the use of the American flag with advertising.  Not only would I be offended, I would NEVER do business with them afterward.

Jul 04, 2015 11:25 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Many veterans will complain loudly. It's not a proper use of the flag.

Jul 04, 2015 11:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

If I were a real estate agent (And I am) and wanted to put a flag on someones lawn, whether it had my name on it or not, I would ask first.

Jul 04, 2015 02:58 PM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Offended?  No, I would think it was pretty cool.  It wouldn't sway me to use them because of it...

Jul 04, 2015 02:36 PM
Rainmaker
594,265
Maria Gilda Racelis
Home Buyers Realty, LLC-Manchester, Bolton. Vernon,Ellington - Manchester, CT
Home Ownership is w/in Reach. We Make it Happen!

It is a distasteful and blatantly unclassy way of honoring the Independence Day.

To answer your question, yes, I do mind and I will even call the Realtor to bring to his/her attention that his/her action is not welcome in my property.

Jul 04, 2015 11:58 PM
Rainer
16,290
Lonnie Hand
eXp Realty - Real Estate Professional, Luxury Home Marketing Expert, Accredited Staging Professional - Atlanta, GA

I think it's better to knock on the door and hand it to people.

 

Jul 04, 2015 10:05 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Sam. I would love it, but wouldn't do it without asking permission.

Jul 04, 2015 07:56 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

No, I would not.  When we lived in Napa in the country. our mailboxes were on the road, and every 4th of July there was a flag on the mailbox.  A

Jul 04, 2015 01:52 PM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Not at all.....some neighborhoods here do that...though the agent who did it said he never got any busienss from it 

Jul 04, 2015 10:40 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

ABSOLUTELY! It's still my propety and I should be asked before anyone puts something on my lawn.

Jul 04, 2015 09:51 AM
Rainmaker
699,277
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

I think it's hookie but I would not be offended.

Jul 04, 2015 09:46 AM
Rainmaker
687,136
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

I presume you are talking to me, a broker? Absolutely, why would I want someone to advertise themselves on my lawn? This is not a patriotic thing to do if there is advertising on the flag! I would call them to take it down. But what if a flag showed up on my lawn with no advertising? No problem. But only if the whole neighborhood is decked out as well, not because my lawn happens to be in a good visible position. No one has a right to "trespass" with their stuff on my property, no matter what it is.

Jul 04, 2015 09:20 AM
Rainmaker
395,382
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS

If someone truly wants to show their patriotism, knock on doors and ask persmission.  I think it's very tacky to add an advertisement alongside.  If you really do believe in what the Flag stands for, then leave your name off of it. Otherwise, it's just a marketing gimic.  Tammy Langford, you hit the nail on the head!  It is NOT proper use of the Flag.  At least to those of us that care :)

Jul 06, 2015 09:25 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I think that's inappropriate.... names and websites do not belong anywhere near our flag.... just my opinion.... what the heck do I know!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jul 05, 2015 12:50 AM
Rainmaker
2,811,056
Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

My team pt 2500 American flags up this year .lots of nice commnets only a few complaints

Jul 04, 2015 11:14 PM
Rainer
294,086
Lee Marlin
First United Realty of Georgia - Atlanta, GA
ATL Metro 404.384.2274 - Luxury/Divorce/ShortSales

The United States flag code section 176. (i) prohibits the use of the American flag with advertising.  Not only would I be offended, I would NEVER do business with them afterward.

Even putting up a flag with no advertising is still trespassing.

Ask the owner first.

Jul 04, 2015 11:12 PM
Rainer
432,872
Virtual Realty Consultants
Virtual Realty Consultants LLC - Wellesley, MA
Making the American Dream a Reality

I think you are setting yourself up for a fair housing complaint. Hear me out. The message you are conveying is that the agent is only looking for a specific national origin. If the flag can be clearly associated with the agent - don't do it.

Jul 04, 2015 10:52 PM
Rainmaker
1,026,854
Margaret Woda
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. - Crofton, MD
Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation

Many years ago, I was with a real estate company whose agents placed small American flags along the streets of neighborhoods near their office. There was no advertising attached to the flags nor were there any fliers or ads announcing the source of the flags. I was hesitant at first, but experienced many people coming outside to thank us, even offer to help. Thank you notes from local residents to appeared in local newspapers. I'm very surprised at the negative comments from agents in this thread, based on that experience and my own perspective as the wife, daughter, granddaughter and niece of veterans. In fact, I appreciate this patriotic gesture.

Jul 04, 2015 10:50 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

No... but I've never understood why they bothered, as from everything I've heard it's never generated any real business. And if they place on on my lawn, why would I call them, when I'm a Realtor myself?

Jul 04, 2015 09:43 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

No to the flag.  Yes if thay put a direciton sign to their open  house.

Jul 04, 2015 09:10 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I would not be offended. Some agents do this every year.

There is always the risk of some people lot wanting anything left on their private property.

Jul 04, 2015 09:03 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good Sunday morning Sam. Most likely not if it was done in good taste.

Jul 04, 2015 08:03 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

How do they know that a realtor lives in that house. I have them every year, sometimes 2-3.

Jul 04, 2015 04:29 PM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I would have no problem with it Sam, feel free to put one out there anytime.

 

Jul 04, 2015 03:17 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

no not at all.

Jul 04, 2015 09:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

In fact, it was done in my neighborhood and I took no offense.

Jul 06, 2015 02:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,895,067
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Yes as it is a violation of US Flag code to include any advertising on the flag or staff.

 

Jul 06, 2015 09:09 AM
Rainmaker
64,694
Michelle M. Arnold
Keller Williams Realty Yuma - Yuma, AZ
Associate Broker

I certainly agree, the United States flag is not a proper advertising tool.

Jul 05, 2015 01:58 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Sam -- I agree with Tammy Lankford.  I

believe there may have been a lawsuit or at least a lot of public outcry a few years ago in Southern California over this very issue.  As I recall,  leaving a flag was acceptable, the accompanying advertising was not.   

Jul 05, 2015 12:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Tammy Lankford has it exactly right.  Our broker forbids the practice because it is totally inappropriate.

Jul 05, 2015 12:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Sam Shueh, Tammy Lankford summed it up nicely. There are other ways to advertise, but not with the U.S. Flag.

Jul 05, 2015 12:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

In a he grand scheme of things it might be petty to worry about this or be offended

Jul 05, 2015 12:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Yes, this is inappropriate

Jul 04, 2015 11:37 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     I would not be "offended".   But as a Broker I wouldn't put anything on a person's law (or hang anything on their door knob) without their expressed permission.

Jul 04, 2015 11:17 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

The flag is a great big YES, with permission.

Advertising NO. However, the photo opportunity of a street completely decked in American Flags would be evergreen. Even if the flags were in place only for the photo op.

The concern you should have is imposition upon the homeowner if the flag remains after the day has passed. Most have no knowledge of the proper disposal. This could create degradation of the flag, not respect.

There are many, many ways to make this a positive, exciting event, but thought and permission must be invested.

Be aware, whatever you choose to do, there will also be those with a complaint, whether you are door knocking, cold calling, putting ribbons on mailboxes at Christmas or the display of the American Flag. Someone, somewhere will always be offended if only for the mere fact a real estate agent is involved.

Jul 04, 2015 11:15 PM
Rainmaker
2,486,205
Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

I don't offend that easily.. no, it wouldn't offend me in the least.

Jul 04, 2015 10:52 PM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

What really offends me is when Listing Agents  in  multiple offer situations  instead of accepting the VA loan,  just shut them down because they don't know any thing about them and think  they are a hybrid FHA loan. 

Pardon my soap box  but if you enjoy your Liberty  accept a  purchase offer with a VA loan and give that military family a home!

Jul 08, 2015 01:17 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I put out flags this year (having skipped my farm for several years because of one complaint). Probably 5 or 10  neighbors came out to say thank you.  It made me realize that most people enjoy flags on the 4th of July. I was in the same neighborhood today - 4-5 days after I put the flags out and they are still there on 95% of the houses. People like the American Flag in July.  I put the flags out without identification and delivered a card separately taking responsibility for the flags. I view it more as taking responsibility than as advertising. After all, I am putting flags on the front lawn curb and I should own  up to it.  I like putting the flags out because I am married to a Marine, the mother of a Marine infantry officer who served in Iraq, and i am an Army brat who moved around the world as a child and the grand daughter of an Army officer. I love my country and my flag and I love the sight of a neighborhood decked out in flags. I consider it a gift to a community on the 4th of July. 

Jul 08, 2015 11:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

I'm offended all the time by the marketing of things that were once held revered.  Heck, the 4th of July is nothing more than a "BOGO for $1.00" sell-abration.  

Jul 06, 2015 12:34 PM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

Surely you do not mean your contact info would be on the actual flag, but perhaps a sticker on the stick of the flag, in small size  I support Tammy Lankford's comment.

Jul 05, 2015 02:33 PM
Rainmaker
212,755
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

I would not care, but I also would not do business with them. More important I think it is illegal if it is right on the flag as others  have said. I have seen agents to that with the businesscard on the stick though. 

For me if your doing that to try and get business, your business probably is not doing that good.

Jul 05, 2015 03:07 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I wouldn't be offended, but I would be annoyed if anyone is putting anything in my lawn without permission.

Jul 05, 2015 02:45 AM
Rainer
428,933
Chris Lima
Turtle Reef Realty - Port St Lucie, FL
Local or Global-Allow me to open doors for you.

Just the flag is fine.  The flag with advertisement.....not so much!

Jul 05, 2015 01:42 AM
Rainmaker
657,208
Martin E. Kalisker, Esq.
Natick, MA
Real Estate Law From A Practical Perspective

Just as you would need the seller's permission to put your sign on the lawn (or the homeowners' association), I think you'd probably need their permission to put up a flag. But what is your purpose in doing so? It's not your home.

Jul 04, 2015 10:38 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I would have to say yes. Give the flag the respect that it needs.

Jul 26, 2016 10:59 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

What is the difference putting flags on the realtors car and invite himself at 7/4 parade?

Jul 08, 2015 12:45 PM
Ambassador
5,230,068
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

One particular local agent placed her business card on flags in our yards in my former neighborhood three holidays every year - Memorial Day, Independence Day and Presidents Day.  I was the HOA president for several years when I lived in the community and EVERY SINGLE holiday, I was faced with a barrage of complaints from our residents - "cheap, tacky, law-breaking, distasteful, self-promoting..." the list goes on and on with derogatory comments made about this agent.

To this day, I don't recall ONE sale by that agent in the neighborhood.  In fact, residents vowed not only to never use this particular agent but, this agent's brokerage either.  

If you want to show your patriotism, place the flags WITH the homeowners' permission and WITHOUT any advertising attached whatsoever - this is NOT about your business.  


And, yes, there are more people who 'care' than don't, I can assure you of that!

Jul 07, 2015 09:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,706,465
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

I like the idea of placing flags with no advertising associated with it out of reverence to our flag and country. However, I think using the flag to advertise our services and websites isn't the best way to promote our businesses.

Jul 05, 2015 09:22 AM