What is it called when a property sale ad does not disclose that a real estate broker is involved?

When a property sale advertisement fails to disclose the involvement of a real estate broker, it is referred to as blind advertising. This term specifically describes a situation where the ad does not identify the broker or their agency, which can mislead potential buyers about the nature of the transaction.

This practice raises ethical concerns because it can create ambiguity regarding the representation and assistance provided in the real estate sale process. In California, real estate laws require transparency and full disclosure to protect consumers and ensure that they are aware of who is representing them in a transaction. By omitting the broker’s involvement, blind advertising compromises this transparency, leaving buyers uninformed about the professional guidance available to them.

Other terms that are often considered in advertising ethics—such as deceptive advertising, unethical advertising, and false representation—do not specifically capture the particular nature of failing to disclose a broker's role. Therefore, blind advertising is the most accurate term in this context.