Maryland Real Estate Exam: Advertising Regulations Compliance

Last updated: April 2026

When preparing to become a licensed real estate professional in the Old Line State, understanding the boundaries of how you can market yourself and your properties is paramount. The Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) takes consumer protection seriously, and advertising regulations are among the most strictly enforced rules in the industry. For candidates taking the state licensing exam, mastering these regulations is not just about passing a test—it is about protecting your future livelihood.

This study guide breaks down the essential advertising regulations compliance requirements you will encounter on your exam. By understanding the underlying Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and MREC policies, you will be well-equipped to answer scenario-based questions with confidence.

The Regulatory Framework: MREC and COMAR

In Maryland, real estate advertising is governed by Title 17 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article, alongside the specific administrative rules found in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). The primary goal of these regulations is to prevent deceptive practices, ensure transparency, and guarantee that consumers always know they are dealing with a licensed real estate professional.

Failure to adhere to these rules can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, or revocation. Understanding these advertising boundaries is a core component of Maryland real estate ethics and standards. All advertising—whether print, digital, social media, or physical signage—must present a true and accurate picture of the property and the licensee's status.

Core Advertising Rules Every Maryland Agent Must Know

The Maryland licensing exam frequently tests candidates on a few foundational advertising rules. You must be able to identify violations in hypothetical scenarios.

The Prohibition of "Blind Ads"

A "blind ad" is an advertisement placed by a real estate licensee that fails to indicate that the advertiser is a real estate agent or broker. In Maryland, blind ads are strictly prohibited. Every advertisement must clearly reveal that the person advertising is licensed in real estate. Consumers have a legal right to know when they are engaging with a professional rather than a private seller or landlord.

The "Meaningful and Conspicuous" Rule

COMAR requires that the designated name of the broker or the brokerage company be "meaningfully and conspicuously" displayed in all advertising. While Maryland does not dictate a specific font size ratio (unlike some other states that require the broker's name to be equal to or larger than the agent's name), the broker's name must be easily identifiable and prominent enough that a reasonable consumer immediately knows which brokerage holds the agent's license.

Contact Information Requirements

A common trap for new agents is advertising solely with their personal cell phone number. Maryland law mandates that any advertisement containing an affiliated licensee's personal phone number must also include the broker's designated office phone number. This ensures that the public can always contact the supervising broker regarding an agent's activities or listings.

Digital and Social Media Advertising

The rise of digital marketing has prompted MREC to clarify how traditional advertising rules apply to the internet and social media platforms.

The "One-Click" Rule

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or TikTok often have limited space for text or character restrictions. MREC allows for the "One-Click" rule in these limited-space environments. If an agent cannot fit the required brokerage information (broker name and office phone number) directly into the post or bio, the advertisement must link directly—in one click—to a webpage or profile that clearly displays all required disclosures.

Domain Names and Email Addresses

If an agent uses a domain name or email address for their real estate business, the website it directs to must fully comply with all MREC advertising rules. Furthermore, agents cannot use domain names that imply they are a standalone brokerage if they are actually affiliated with a broker.

Maryland Team Advertising Regulations

Team advertising is one of the most heavily tested areas on the Maryland real estate exam. Because real estate teams operate as sub-units within a larger brokerage, MREC has established strict rules to ensure consumers do not mistake a team for an independent brokerage.

Acceptable and Prohibited Team Names

Under Maryland law, a real estate team name must include the word "Team" or "Group."

A team name must not include terms that imply the team is a separate business entity. Prohibited terms include:

• Company
• Corporation (or Corp.)
• Incorporated (or Inc.)
• LLC
• Brokerage
• Real Estate (when used to imply a standalone company, e.g., "Smith Real Estate")
• Associates

Team Advertising Disclosures

Whenever a team advertises, the advertisement must prominently display the full name of the brokerage with which the team is affiliated. The brokerage's phone number must also be included alongside any team contact numbers.

Common MREC Advertising Violations

To help you visualize where agents most frequently make mistakes (and where exam writers draw their inspiration for questions), review the chart below detailing common advertising violations cited by the Maryland Real Estate Commission.