Can I use the name Realty in my company name

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Can I use the name Realty in my company name

Account Closed
Investor · Hampton, VA · Member since 2017 · 3 posts · 0 votes

 I am a new investor in real estate and had a concern come up with a real estate agency I am closing a deal with. After the agent I'm working with on the deal spoke with her broker she indicated I was not able legally to use the name Realtor in my business name being that I am not a licensed real estate agent. I work out of Virginia and wondered if anybody knew if this was true I am in the process of changing the name of my company just in case.

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Russell BrazilBusiness Member
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Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
9y

Yes that is true in most states. The word Realty typically denotes an independent real estate brokerage. The words use in a business name is restricted in most states via that states real estate commission. Where it is you have to be an independent brokerage.

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  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    9y

    Yes that is true in most states. The word Realty typically denotes an independent real estate brokerage. The words use in a business name is restricted in most states via that states real estate commission. Where it is you have to be an independent brokerage.

    [email protected]301-893-4635Podcast Guest on Show #192
    District Invest Group545 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Aaron Lovett
    Realtor · Smyrna, TN 37167 · Member since 2013 · 248 posts · 147 votes
    9y

    "she indicated I was not able legally to use the name Realtor in my business name"
     

    As for "Realtor", this is a copyrighted name for a member of the National Association of Realtors.  If you aren't a member of that association, then you have no rights to use that designation.

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  • Matthew B.
    Investor · Howey in the Hills, FL · Member since 2013 · 376 posts · 114 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:

     I am a new investor in real estate and had a concern come up with a real estate agency I am closing a deal with. After the agent I'm working with on the deal spoke with her broker she indicated I was not able legally to use the name Realtor in my business name being that I am not a licensed real estate agent. I work out of Virginia and wondered if anybody knew if this was true I am in the process of changing the name of my company just in case.

     You can use "Realty" but the term "Realtor" is trademarked. Good luck!

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  • Jose Garcia
    Investor · Hampton Roads Va · Member since 2013 · 123 posts · 17 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:

     I am a new investor in real estate and had a concern come up with a real estate agency I am closing a deal with. After the agent I'm working with on the deal spoke with her broker she indicated I was not able legally to use the name Realtor in my business name being that I am not a licensed real estate agent. I work out of Virginia and wondered if anybody knew if this was true I am in the process of changing the name of my company just in case.

    When I first started my first LLC, I had Realty in the name and never ran into an issue. Good Luck

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