when I was actively listing property, I would document every conversation on the inside cover of each deal folder.... now, don't laugh about a "deal folder".... 15 years ago, there were deal folders!!!  I filled one file drawer each year... alphabetically filed by buyer's last name first (they would be the next seller and I was a listing agent!!).... anyone could take over any one of my deals and know exactly where I was with it and all conversations were there....

Wow, I did not know. 

Thank you, Fred, for bringing it up and great answers. 

Now I know.

Yes, that's the same here but I keep everything and upload it all to the cloud ... forever!  Even benign texts and emails I keep - sometimes that can establish timelines that might be useful later on down the road.  There is no harm in retaining these kinds of records even though I'm not required to.

Part of the documents a broker is required to keep for a minimum of 4 years is "ALL COMMUNICATION", so text and email are included.

Yes but only if the file has problems. If I think that the seller or buyer would love to sue everybody in sight, you bet.

I do keep them regardless of what the law requires.  It's just good business to do so. 

I don't know if they require it.  But, I do keep them.

No I don't think so in AZ - not a requirement. Emails are easy to keep and archive in a client e-file. I do that. Text is almost impossible as a user. However, I think some providers like Verizon does keep them in archives for you for a few years (or used to....).

We are not required to keep them, but i do keep them.

It's definitely encouraged and there's one particular file right now that I'm making sure I have everything ever communicated... 

We are not required to but, we are strongly encouraged to do so...and I am sure to do it with each and every client.

honestly Fred I know of no requirement by the real estate commission in GA for such, however I require it.  Not EVERY communication for all clients, but depending on the deal, the other agent... sometimes every communication for that deal.  But important ones for all.  I put in our efile and print a copy for the paper file (yes, I still keep paper files)

Not required, but, I do keep track of emails. 

I Keep everything!  They come in handy!

All that is stored somewhere in the file cabinets of Google, and possibly in some Russian agents computer.

I honestly have no clue, but assume they do.  It's California after all.  I keep them backed up with the transaction when technically possible.  I think I have a copy of damn near every email I've ever sent or received since the days of Prodigy internet (not the dial-up app, but actual internet service) somewhere in my house.

not sure if the commission requires it, but my broker does.

Not required by law, but a good idea.

Yep, I keep everything!

We are not required to preserve text messages. We would be prudent to do so, IMO, in this everchanging world in which so much information is now shared by text messages.

After it's closed & provided there were no issues I do a Hillary & delete, delete, delete. 

emails yes! Texts, no. But I probably should!

Thank you, Fred. 

Great question. 

Important information.  We move copies of emails and texts into the cloud for storage.

Yes, keep all communications as well as logs. Easy to do. You never know when it may come back around.

Not yet Fred Griffin . If they start to it's just another reason I'm glad I've retired now.

I started keeping messages for 1 year....

Nope.

I keep a record of all texts and emails as well as well documented notes about verbal conservations. 

As far as I know there's no legal requirement, but strongly suggested. And I save everything in any event.

They are not required in our state.  Depending on the transaction, sometimes I require agents to keep them and make them part of the file

Same in CA, texts will not work, even most clients use texts these days. 

N ot required but I do most of them anyway

Good question.

They can be used as evidence at court in CA

Fred,

Our filing system, kept everything...it was in the beginning of the Internet, we kept message slips meeting dates, notes...A

Emails yes but not texts.

It is not mandatory to keep text or emails but from a broker's standpoint it is a good business practice.

We're not required to keep them, but I do hang onto mine.

Does not require but I do keep them

I absolutely do, you never know when you may need them.

It is not required by law here, but I always keep them.. you never know what could happen.  For the first time in more than 30 years as an agent, I had a buyer who did not close on a property last week. I am now gathering and printing off all emails, text messages, and making notes on conversationsin chronological order as to when they happened and what was said.