Q: What can realtors tell people?
If a real estate deal falls through, can the realtors you have say things to people about you? I had a real estate deal fall through and the realtor is saying horrible things about me now to a big social network we are all part of.
A:
While this is not per se illegal, it is unwise. By disclosing information on social media, the RE officer can "defame" you; that is, if the RE agent discloses her "opinion" of you, that's not objectionable, except to you personally. Every human being is judged, based on the observations of others as well as their own. However, a person gets in trouble for three reasons:
1. Disclosing private information that you gave them in the RE transaction. This is objectionable and actionable. This information could be your financial, personal identification, home or work information, information that would not be obtainable elsewhere; and
2. Disclosing private information concerning the specific transaction; whether this be the details of the transaction or again, information which does not fall into the category of "opinion;" or
3. Defames you, your chastity, your character for honesty. If she tells her opinion of you in social circles that you are a "cheat," and you are not, then you have an actionable case of defamation.
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