United Real Estate Accused Of Removing Thousands Of Agent Websites
Introduction
United Real Estate, one of the largest real estate franchises in the United States, has been accused of removing thousands of agent websites without warning or explanation. The move has left many agents and brokers scrambling to rebuild their online presence and has raised concerns about the franchise's commitment to its agents.
The Allegations
According to multiple reports, United Real Estate began removing agent websites from its platform in late 2020. The company allegedly informed agents that their websites were being deleted due to "non-compliance with company policies," but did not provide any details or opportunities to address the alleged violations.
The Impact on Agents
The removal of agent websites has had a significant impact on United Real Estate agents and brokers. Many rely heavily on their online presence to attract and communicate with clients, and the sudden loss of their websites has left them with a major gap in their marketing strategies. Some have reported losing leads and clients as a result of the website deletions.
The Response from United Real Estate
United Real Estate has not publicly commented on the allegations of website removals. However, some agents have reported receiving emails from the company offering to create new websites for them at no cost. Others have reported being told that their websites will be restored once they come into compliance with company policies, although they have not been given any information about what those policies are.
The Broader Implications
The situation at United Real Estate raises broader concerns about the relationship between real estate franchises and their agents. Many agents already feel that they are not given enough support or autonomy by their franchises, and the removal of websites without warning or explanation only reinforces that perception. It also highlights the importance of agents maintaining ownership and control of their online presence, rather than relying entirely on a franchise's platform.
Conclusion
The allegations against United Real Estate are a reminder that agents should always be vigilant about their online presence and take steps to protect it. While it is unclear what the future holds for the affected agents and brokers, the situation serves as a warning to others in the real estate industry to be aware of the potential risks of relying too heavily on a franchise's platform.