TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR

ASK ABOUT REAL ESTATE

LAST UPDATED: December 18, 2025

Please read these Terms & Conditions (this "Agreement") carefully. This Agreement is a legal agreement between you and Ask About Real Estate/Maaret Forst, DRE #01416031 ("we," "us," or "our") governing your access and use of the askabout.realestate website and related services (collectively, the "Services").

By using the Services, registering for webinars, or clicking any button marked "accept" or "agree," you agree to this Agreement and any changes to it.

1. SMS TEXT MESSAGING PROGRAM

IMPORTANT: This section describes our SMS text messaging program and your rights.

By registering for webinars or other services on this website, you consent to receive text messages (SMS) from Ask About Real Estate at the mobile number you provided. Message frequency varies depending on webinar schedules and educational content updates. You may receive approximately 2-8 messages per month.

Types of Messages:

• Webinar registration confirmations

• Webinar reminders and Zoom links

• Educational real estate market updates

• Important announcements about scheduled events

Message and Data Rates: Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan. Please check with your carrier for details.

Opt-Out Instructions: You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by:

• Replying STOP to any text message you receive from us

• Texting STOP to the number from which you received messages

• Contacting us at the information provided in Section 15 below

After you send the message "STOP" to us, we will send you a reply message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive text messages from us unless you opt back in.

Help Instructions: For help or more information about our text messaging program, reply HELP to any message or contact us at [email protected].

Supported Carriers: Our SMS program is supported by major U.S. carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and others. Carrier coverage may vary.

Privacy: We will not share your mobile phone number or other personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes. For more information about how we handle your information, please see our Privacy Policy.

2. ABOUT OUR SERVICES

Ask About Real Estate provides educational real estate webinars, market analysis, and information about buying and selling real estate in the Santa Cruz and Bay Area California markets. The Services are provided by Maaret Forst, a licensed California real estate agent (DRE #01416031) affiliated with Keller Williams Realty.

Real Estate Services: Any real estate brokerage services, including representation in buying or selling property, are provided through Keller Williams and are subject to separate written agreements. This Agreement governs only your use of the askabout.realestate website and educational services.

3. EXISTING REPRESENTATION DISCLOSURE

IMPORTANT - California Real Estate Law Requirement:

If you currently have a signed representation agreement with another real estate agent or broker (either as a buyer or seller), our communications to you are not intended as solicitation of that existing agency relationship.

By registering for our Services, you represent that either:

• You do not currently have an exclusive representation agreement with another real estate professional, OR

• You understand that our educational content is informational only and does not constitute solicitation of your existing agency relationship

If you have an existing agency agreement and wish to work with Maaret Forst/Keller Williams, you must first properly terminate or fulfill your existing agreement in accordance with its terms and California real estate law.

Educational Content Only: Webinars and educational materials are provided for general information and do not create an agency relationship unless a separate written agreement is executed.

4. ACCOUNT REGISTRATION & COMMUNICATIONS

You may need to register an account to access certain Services, including webinar registrations. When you register, you agree to provide accurate and complete information.

Multiple Communication Platforms: By registering, you consent to receive communications through multiple platforms, including:

• Text Messages (SMS): As described in Section 1 above, delivered via our messaging system

• Email Communications: Sent from both:

  • Our GoHighLevel (GHL) marketing platform

  • Keller Williams Command CRM system (synchronized with GHL contacts)

• Website Notifications: Posted on askabout.realestate

You may receive emails from domains including but not limited to: askabout.realestate, kw.com, and associated email systems.

Electronic Communications Consent: You consent to receive all communications electronically and agree that all electronic communications satisfy any legal requirement for written communications.

Do Not Call Consent: By providing your phone number, you authorize us to contact you about our educational services and real estate information, even if your number is on a Do Not Call list. This consent is not required to purchase any services, and you may unsubscribe at any time using the methods provided in each communication.

Managing Preferences: You can manage your communication preferences by:

• Replying STOP to text messages (for SMS)

• Clicking "unsubscribe" in email footers (for email)

• Contacting us directly at [email protected]

5. REFERRAL ARRANGEMENTS & COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE - California Law Requirement:

In compliance with California Business & Professions Code §10176(g) and DRE regulations, we disclose the following:

Referral Fees: Ask About Real Estate/Maaret Forst may receive referral fees or compensation if you engage the services of real estate agents, lenders, title companies, or other real estate professionals that we recommend or refer to you. These referral arrangements may include:

• Agent Referrals: If you work with a Keller Williams agent or another real estate professional we refer, we may receive a referral fee from that agent or their brokerage

• Service Provider Referrals: If you use lenders, inspectors, title companies, or other service providers we recommend, we may receive compensation or referral fees

• Affiliate Relationships: We may have ongoing business relationships with recommended service providers

Your Rights: You are NOT required to use any service provider, lender, or agent we recommend. You have the right to:

• Choose your own real estate agent

• Select your own service providers

• Decline any recommendations we provide

• Ask for details about any referral relationship

Disclosure Timing: If a referral relationship exists, we will provide you with a written disclosure of the compensation arrangement before or at the time we provide the referral, as required by California law.

No Kickbacks: All referral arrangements comply with applicable federal and state laws, including RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) requirements.

6. INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE

You represent and warrant that:

• All information you provide is accurate and complete

• You have the legal right to provide the information

• You will update information as needed to keep it current

• You are not currently bound by an exclusive representation agreement with another real estate professional (or you acknowledge Section 3 above)

Privacy: We collect and use your information according to our Privacy Policy. By using the Services, you consent to our collection and use of information as described.

No Third-Party Sharing for Marketing: We will not share your personal information, including your phone number or email address, with third parties for their independent marketing purposes. However, information may be shared with:

• Our affiliated brokerage (Keller Williams) for CRM synchronization

• Service providers who help us operate the Services (email platforms, webinar platforms)

• Professionals you ask us to refer you to

7. YOUR CONDUCT

You agree not to:

• Use the Services for any unlawful purpose

• Provide false or misleading information

• Register if you are currently bound by an exclusive agency agreement without acknowledging Section 3

• Harass, threaten, or harm others

• Introduce viruses or malicious code

• Scrape, copy, or reproduce content without permission

• Use automated tools (bots, AI scrapers) to access or copy content

• Interfere with the operation of the Services

8. EDUCATIONAL CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The information provided through our webinars and Services is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered:

• Legal advice

• Financial advice

• Tax advice

• Investment advice

• A substitute for professional consultation

• An offer to provide real estate brokerage services (separate written agreement required)

California Real Estate: Real estate practices, laws, and market conditions vary by location. Information provided is focused on California, specifically the Santa Cruz and Bay Area markets, and may not apply to other locations.

No Agency Created: Attending webinars, receiving emails, or using the Services does not create an agency relationship. Agency relationships require separate written agreements.

Professional Guidance: You should always consult with licensed professionals (real estate attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors) before making real estate decisions.

9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All content on the Services, including webinar recordings, presentations, articles, and materials, are owned by Ask About Real Estate/Maaret Forst or licensed to us. This includes trademarks, service marks, and copyrighted materials.

Limited Use: You may view and download materials for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not:

• Reproduce or distribute our content without permission

• Use our name, trademarks, or materials for commercial purposes

• Create derivative works from our content

• Use AI tools to scrape or reproduce our content

10. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES & LINKS

The Services may contain links to third-party websites, including:

• Webinar platforms (Zoom, etc.)

• MLS listings

• Other real estate resources

• Recommended service providers

We are not responsible for third-party content, services, or privacy practices. Your use of third-party services is at your own risk and subject to their terms and conditions.

Referrals: As disclosed in Section 5, we may have compensation arrangements with some third-party service providers we recommend.

11. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT:

• The Services will be error-free or uninterrupted

• Information provided is accurate, complete, or current

• Webinars will occur as scheduled

• Any particular result will occur from using the Services

• Recommended service providers will meet your needs

California Disclosures: Real estate market information and statistics are subject to change. Past market performance does not guarantee future results.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

• WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES

• OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED $50.00 OR THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, WHICHEVER IS GREATER

• WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR DECISIONS YOU MAKE BASED ON INFORMATION FROM THE SERVICES

• WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS WE REFER

13. CALIFORNIA-SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

Real Estate License: Maaret Forst is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE #01416031) and is affiliated with Keller Williams Thrive Santa Cruz.

Fair Housing: We comply with federal and California fair housing laws. Real estate services are available to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class.

Consumer Complaints: California residents may contact:

• California Department of Real Estate: (877) 373-4542 or www.dre.ca.gov

• California Department of Consumer Affairs: (800) 952-5210

RESPA Compliance: Referral arrangements comply with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and California referral fee disclosure requirements.

14. TERMINATION

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Services at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including violation of this Agreement.

Upon termination:

• Your right to use the Services ends immediately

• You must stop using all content and materials

• Sections of this Agreement that should survive (disclaimers, limitations) remain in effect

• You may still unsubscribe from communications using the methods provided

15. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions about this Agreement, our SMS program, referral arrangements, or the Services:

Ask About Real Estate
Maaret Forst, DRE #01416031
Keller Williams Thrive Santa Cruz
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://askabout.realestate

To Opt Out of SMS: Reply STOP to any text message
To Opt Out of Email: Click "unsubscribe" in any email footer
For SMS Help: Reply HELP to any text message
For General Help: Email [email protected]

16. CHANGES TO THIS AGREEMENT

We may update this Agreement at any time by posting a revised version with a new "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Agreement.

For material changes, we will provide notice via:

• Email to your registered address

• Prominent notice on the website

• Text message (for SMS program changes)

17. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in Santa Cruz County, California.

18. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement, together with our Privacy Policy, constitutes the entire agreement between you and Ask About Real Estate regarding use of the Services.

Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.

No Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right does not waive that right.

By using askabout.realestate, registering for webinars, or providing your phone number for text messages, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.