Special offer
Brenda Bergin (Domain Realty)

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I think that the code of ethics doesn't apply to the car dealer - but it is cheesy - and he may be at risk of violating your husband's expectation of privacy depending on the circumstances under which your husband gave his email - for instance - was it on a financial form? 

Jun 17, 2016 12:21 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

There is nothing unethical about it; maybe not in the greatest of taste. If your husband doesn't want to receive any more emails he should unsubscribe.

Jun 17, 2016 09:22 PM
Rainmaker
1,197,152
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

I love real estate drama.  The golden rule of doing unto other....

 overrides all other issues. Hold  yourself to a high standard . 

Jun 17, 2016 09:00 PM
Rainmaker
885,790
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

Jokes about car dealers aside, what about any other business? Can your spouse give out your business cards to his clients? I think it depends on any given situation? What if your the spouse is an accountant, waiter, bus driver or anything else? Common sense and class along with company policy would be the way to address this.

 

Jun 17, 2016 08:26 PM
Rainer
42,670
Fred Hafdelin
Weichert Realtors - Mountain Lakes, NJ

Its an e-mail address not  a pin number. Why waste time conducting an "investigation" when the same time can be better used doing something productive? Just opt out or ID it as spam and move on.

Jun 17, 2016 09:19 PM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Sounds like they were made for each other

Jun 17, 2016 03:10 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

no. not even close. the dealer violated privacy (purchase agreement) the agent has as well..

Jun 17, 2016 02:40 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

I second the motion:  Lise Howe  and Noah Seidenberg 

Jun 17, 2016 02:23 PM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

May depend on their privacy policy. While it may not be unethical I think it's sleazy. If I found out I woul dbe on the phone immediately to the top person in the company

Jun 17, 2016 01:35 PM
Rainer
212,500
Kristen Correa, Broker
Kristen Correa Real Estate & Reedy Creek Realty Services - Keller, TX
I love coffee & real estate. I am out of coffee!

You asked if it is ethical. What is his company policy? They are car dealers, afterall. NO... JUST KIDDING. JUST A TEASE! But, seriously, it just depends on if their company or license they have regulates such behavior. I wouldn't have any idea. But I know our info (as a consumer) gets tossed around a lot without our permission or knowledge...

Jun 17, 2016 12:59 PM
Rainer
87,122
Chris Locke
Acton, CA

Bad for both parties. Very sleazy for any business to give out contact info on a customer to another business without the consent of the customer.

Also sleazy for the Realtor who is sending unauthorized solicitations via email That's SPAM. The agents email account, 3rd party email service, and ISP will get SPAM complaints. After a while they agent will feel it.

On top of that the agent gets a bad rep to most of the people getting the email messages.

Jun 18, 2016 01:50 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Brenda,

Our car salesman has never given our email address to anyone, nor has the dealership, and we appreciate that.  Not all car dealers are the same, not all real estate agents are the same...A

Jun 18, 2016 12:17 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

It is so wrong in so many levels, but as Lise Howe said, it may be something bigger.

Jun 17, 2016 10:28 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is not a matter of ethics but a poor business practice.

Jun 17, 2016 08:05 PM
Rainmaker
544,892
John Mosier
Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert - Prescott, AZ
Prescott's Patriot Agent 928 533-8142

I do agree that it is sleasy.  I feel there are A LOT of "sleasier" things done by car dealerships. I would never buy a car from a dealership again if I can help it.

Jun 17, 2016 02:34 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I would call the owner of the dealership and express my displeasure. 

Jun 17, 2016 02:23 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I do not know if it is unethical BUT if someone DARED give my email out in such a manner, I would have them on the phone in record time.  I get enough harassment from all the real estate cottage industries that relentlessly contact me by phone and by email every day; thank heavens for the ability to block calls and assign email addresses to the junk folder. 

Jun 17, 2016 01:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Ditto Lise Howe and Noah Seidenberg 

Jun 17, 2016 12:57 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

I agree with Lise Howe here.

Jun 17, 2016 12:28 PM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

I think it's shady.  If the person buying the car asked if the car guy knew of a trusted realtor, the car guy should hand over a card.  Giving out email addresses or any other information without permission is out of line. 

Jun 17, 2016 11:56 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Not really, no, but she probably weaseled it out of him.  Just unsubscribe.

Jun 17, 2016 11:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

I don't think car dealers have the same code of ethics that Realtors have, so it's not unethical for the car dealer to give out email addresses.

But it might be unethical, or at the very least distasteful, for the Realtor to obtain email addresses this way.

I'd complain to the Realtor, not the car dealer.

Jun 17, 2016 10:37 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Our code doesn't apply to the dealer but does to the wife

Jun 17, 2016 09:43 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

What Lise Howe and Ronald Gombach said!

Jun 17, 2016 08:43 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

I'm not sure there is a code of ethics for the dealer but it can be a legal issue if privacy was guaranteed or implied.

Jun 17, 2016 06:59 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

that's horrible.....I'd put a fast stop to that by contacting the owner/manager of that dealership.....

Jun 18, 2016 03:45 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,677
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Wow, that is a new one.

Jun 18, 2016 02:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

 You don't want to receive block incoming mail.

Jun 17, 2016 11:46 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

No rules against it as far as I know. Networking I guess. You can always unsubscribe or better yet - put them on your list.

Jun 17, 2016 09:57 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Brenda Bergin - not a good idea to share email addresses for sure - without consent.

Jun 17, 2016 04:41 PM
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

In the world of automobile sales (New and especially used cars) I heard that there are no boundries.  Everything is ethical to them!

Jun 17, 2016 02:15 PM
Rainer
19,291
Jackie Mazurowski
CENTURY 21 Myers Realty - Auburndale, FL
Polk County Gold Realtors

Could be against the law.  Check the laws in your state.

Jun 22, 2016 12:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

There is no ethical issue.  Just makes good common sense.  I wish I had advocates that would promote me like that.

Jun 22, 2016 12:10 AM
Rainmaker
466,767
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Good morning Brenda Bergin,

Check out the car dealerships code of ethics. If no solution, simply unsubscribe/delete/spam

https://www.nada.org/CustomTemplates/GeneralPage.aspx?id=21474838753

National Automobile Dealers Association
8400 Westpark Drive
Tysons, VA 22102
800.252.6232
703.821.7000

Jun 19, 2016 10:57 PM
Rainmaker
969,888
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

If permission is not given I would block the emails. 

Jun 18, 2016 11:13 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

why possibly not? I think, he is a very good husband helping his wife to get more business. If he would be a lawyer, a doctor, etc. and did the same, would you mind? 

Jun 18, 2016 06:33 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I can see this doing more harm than good unless the people want their address forwarded.

Jun 18, 2016 03:14 PM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Email lists are sold everyday, does it make a difference that this one was given away?

I dont know if ethical, but it is expected every time I leave my contact info.

Jun 18, 2016 12:29 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   Check with your State's Department of Consumer Services to see if they are violating any rules or laws.

Jun 18, 2016 12:20 PM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

He can, but that doesn't authorize his wife to use it to spam people. If she misuses it, you can block her. Also, how does the dealer know whether or not the people's email addresses he's giving to his wife are planning to buy or sell real estate. That tactic will fade away on it's own.

Jun 18, 2016 11:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

It would not be my preferred method; but when it comes to money some will do anything!

Jun 18, 2016 09:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Ethics violation, not a chance.

Car company policy violation, almost certainly.

Violation of privacy laws, in California that would be a HECK YES!  It would likely come with a fine for the company, the wife and the realtor.  Oh, and that fine would be per email and up to 100k.  Then come the civil suits.  Oh and there COULD BE JAIL TIME!  Ain't California fun!

Jun 18, 2016 07:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,291,481
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

My question would be why did the car dealership ask for the email in the first place ... and what promises or disclaimers did they make to the person providing it regarding observance of email privacy at that time?  

Most companies make some promise (or effort) to their clients regarding the use of their email .. and proclaim the level of privacy/security that can expected from the company retaining it.  If this car dealer has overstepped or renigged on that promise, they should be told to stop.  If no such promises or agreement was made, then maybe just asking to be removed from the mailing list would be in order?

Gene

Jun 18, 2016 06:31 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,642
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Maybe not etical..but certainly not done in good taste. Just unsubscribe!

Jun 18, 2016 06:28 AM
Rainmaker
533,993
Robert Havana
Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking - Calgary, AB
Alberta Real Estate License Parking

i would think in some juristictions it would be a breach of privacy laws for a business to share that info without customer consent

Jun 18, 2016 05:58 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Lise Howe Is correct in her assessment of this situation. Certainly not a kosher way to generate repeat sales at the car dealership when the word finally gets out...and it will!

Jun 18, 2016 03:33 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

It frightens me that one would even have to ask that question 

Take "ethics" out of the equation ... it is just so WRONG on so many levels. 

Jun 18, 2016 03:27 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Car dealers do not have to follow ethics and the realtor is just showing her desperation for new business.

Cheesy...but I would let it go and not say anthing.  Why blow up trivia?

Eve

 

Jun 18, 2016 03:14 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Seems like a workable collaborative plan he's got going there.

You should go and establish your own collaborative arrangements. However, you should implement some self-selection mechanism.

Jun 18, 2016 02:34 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Did your sign a privacy agreement with the dealership?   On the surface, it seems a bit tacky to me.  

Jun 18, 2016 01:45 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I do not know.

Jun 17, 2016 11:49 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Ethics may not be the key word or action here. Being associated with car salesman brings up all the bad jokes however. Agents & car sales? no

Jun 17, 2016 11:08 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

A poor business practice for sure. A note to the culprit with a copy to the owner of the dealership will probably end the practice!

Jun 17, 2016 11:07 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Ethical no, illegal prob, not however the dealership may want to know if they had the car buyer sign a privacy policy which that salesman violated. 

Jun 17, 2016 10:36 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

The Car Industry is concerned with ethics ?

Jun 17, 2016 10:11 PM
Rainmaker
3,340,443
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Say ouch....and NO and I would drop a note to the owner...VP or not, not an acceptable practice.

Jun 17, 2016 09:43 PM