Final answer:
In Illinois, the sponsoring broker's business name must prominently feature in real estate ads, more so than the agent's name. Ads should accurately represent the property, as historical examples demonstrate the risks of misleading hard-sell tactics and promises of easy credit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding real estate ads in Illinois, it's important to note that the sponsoring broker's business name must appear prominently and more often than the agent's name. Ads must reflect accuracy and adhere to ethical standards. For example, a photograph of a house for sale should not deceptively omit significant negative aspects such as a nearby landfill, which might be inferred from a lower selling price or by visiting the location.
History shows us that during times of economic optimism, like the decade before the Great Depression, advertisements used hard-sell techniques and offered easy credit for real estate investments. Even though these offers promised great returns, many led to financial losses due to overspeculation and environmental disasters. Advertisements can be a powerful tool, but they must be constructed responsibly to avoid misleading the public.