Terms of Use

Effective Date: October 8, 2026  ·  www.reforum.net

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY. SECTION 20 CONTAINS A BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, A CLASS ACTION WAIVER AND A JURY TRIAL WAIVER THAT AFFECT HOW DISPUTES ARE RESOLVED. SECTIONS 16 THROUGH 18 LIMIT REF’S LIABILITY AND REQUIRE YOU TO INDEMNIFY REF, INCLUDING FOR CLAIMS ARISING FROM YOUR OWN NEGLIGENCE.

1. Agreement to These Terms

1.1 Parties. These Terms of Use (“Terms”) are a binding agreement between (a) Real Estate Forum, Inc., a Texas corporation formed on May 19, 2023, which does business as Real Estate Forum, REF and REFORUM, (“REF,” “we,” “us” or “our”; the “First Party”); and (b) each person or entity that accesses or uses the Services, including website visitors, members, Event attendees, speakers, partners and sponsors, and any organization on whose behalf an individual accepts these Terms under Section 1.5 (“you” or “your”; the “Second Party”). The REF Parties defined in Section 17.1 and Apple Inc. are third-party beneficiaries only to the extent stated in Sections 17, 18 and 23. No other person has any rights under these Terms.

1.2 These Terms govern your access to and use of www.reforum.net and its subdomains, including app.reforum.net (the “Website”); the REF mobile applications for iOS and Android (the “App”); REF chapters, REF Connect events, roundtables, summits, webinars and other in-person or virtual events (“Events”); the member directory, messaging, matching, marketplace, AI-powered features and other online services; and our newsletters, REF Pulse Magazine, social media pages and communications (together, the “Services”).

1.3 You accept these Terms when you (a) check a box or click a button indicating acceptance, (b) create an account, (c) register or RSVP for an Event, (d) purchase or sign up for a partnership or sponsorship, or (e) otherwise access or use the Services. If you do not agree, you must not use the Services.

1.4 The following documents are incorporated into these Terms by reference: our Privacy Policy, our Disclaimer, any Event-specific rules posted on an Event page, and any community guidelines posted in the App. If these Terms conflict with the Privacy Policy or Disclaimer on a matter of contract, liability or dispute resolution, these Terms control. A separately signed written agreement with REF (such as a Sponsorship Agreement) controls over these Terms only to the extent it expressly says so.

1.5 If you accept these Terms on behalf of a company, municipality, county or other organization, you represent that you have authority to bind it, and “you” includes that organization.

2. Eligibility

2.1 The Services are for business and professional use by real estate developers, investors, builders, lenders, brokers, agents, attorneys, service providers, and city, county and other public officials. You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding contract under Texas law. We do not knowingly permit minors to create accounts or register for Events.

2.2 You may not use the Services if you are barred from doing so under U.S. law, appear on a U.S. government sanctions list, or were previously suspended or removed by REF.

2.3 REF may approve, decline or limit membership, chapter participation, directory listings or Event attendance at its discretion, provided it does not do so on a basis prohibited by law.

3. Accounts

3.1 You may create an account with an email address, Google or Apple sign-in. You agree to give accurate, current and complete information, including your name, company, title, professional category and any license or registration number, and to keep it updated.

3.2 You may hold only one personal account, and you may not impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation, license status or authority.

3.3 You are responsible for all activity under your account and for keeping your credentials confidential. Notify us immediately at info@reforum.net of any unauthorized use. REF is not liable for losses caused by unauthorized use of your credentials that results from your failure to safeguard them.

3.4 Your account is personal to you and may not be sold, transferred or shared.

4. Electronic Communications, Signatures and Records

4.1 You consent to enter into these Terms and all related transactions electronically. Your click, checkbox or other electronic act of acceptance is your electronic signature and has the same force as a handwritten signature under the Texas Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code ch. 322) and the federal E-SIGN Act (15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.).

4.2 You agree that we may provide notices, disclosures and agreements electronically, by email to the address on your account, by in-App notice, or by posting on the Website, and that these satisfy any legal requirement that they be in writing. You may request a paper copy of these Terms by emailing info@reforum.net.

4.3 REF’s electronic records of your acceptance, including date, time, IP address and version accepted, are admissible as evidence of your agreement.

5. Changes to These Terms

5.1 We may update these Terms from time to time. We will post the revised Terms with a new Effective Date and, for material changes, give at least 30 days’ notice by email or in-App notice before they take effect.

5.2 Changes apply only going forward. They do not apply to any dispute of which REF had actual notice before the change took effect, and a change to Section 20 will not apply to a claim already filed.

5.3 Your continued use of the Services after the effective date of a change constitutes acceptance. If you do not agree, stop using the Services and close your account.

6. The Services

6.1 REF is a networking and information platform. It connects cities, counties, developers, investors, builders and service providers through chapters, Events, a member directory, messaging, matching and related content.

6.2 REF may add, change, suspend or discontinue any part of the Services, including chapters, Events, features and speakers, at any time. Where a change materially reduces paid Services you have already purchased, Section 9 governs any refund.

6.3 Statistics, member counts, chapter counts, case studies and testimonials on the Website are illustrative. They are not a promise of any result, connection, deal or return.

7. No Brokerage, Investment, Legal or Tax Advice

7.1 REF is not a real estate broker or sales agent, mortgage lender or originator, title company, securities broker-dealer, investment adviser, funding portal, law firm or accounting firm. REF does not negotiate, arrange or close real estate transactions, does not receive commissions or transaction-based compensation for introductions, and does not hold funds or property for anyone.

7.2 Content on the Services, including blogs, news, webinars, Event presentations, speaker remarks, AI outputs and member posts, is general information only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, appraisal, engineering, insurance or real estate brokerage advice, and it does not create an attorney-client, fiduciary or advisory relationship with REF.

7.3 Speakers, sponsors, partners and members speak for themselves, not for REF. REF does not endorse, verify or guarantee any member, project, property, offering, lender, product or service. You are solely responsible for your own due diligence and for consulting licensed professionals before making any decision.

7.4 Members who offer real estate, financing or investment opportunities through or because of the Services are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, including the Texas Real Estate License Act (Tex. Occ. Code ch. 1101), Texas mortgage licensing laws, the Texas Securities Act, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Regulation D. You may not use the Services to make a general solicitation of securities unless you are lawfully permitted to do so, and REF may remove any such content.

7.5 Any transaction, partnership or agreement you enter with another member, sponsor or attendee is solely between you and that party. REF is not a party to it and has no liability for it.

8. AI-Powered Features

8.1 The Services include features that use artificial intelligence, such as smart matching, insights, summaries and recommendations (“AI Features”). When you interact with an AI Feature, you are interacting with an automated system, not a human.

8.2 AI outputs may be inaccurate, incomplete, outdated or inappropriate for your situation. They are provided for convenience only and must be independently verified. Matching and recommendations are suggestions; they do not determine eligibility for membership, credit, housing, employment or any other legally significant decision, and REF does not use them to make such decisions.

8.3 You may not use AI Features to generate unlawful, deceptive, discriminatory or infringing content, to profile individuals for prohibited purposes, or to extract Platform data in violation of Section 11.

8.4 Inputs you submit to AI Features are handled as described in our Privacy Policy. Do not submit confidential information you are not authorized to share.

9. Membership, Partnerships, Payments and Refunds

9.1 Membership. Basic REF membership and chapter participation are currently free. REF may introduce paid tiers or Event fees in the future with notice; you will not be charged unless you affirmatively agree to the price.

9.2 Partnerships and sponsorships. Strategic Partner (annual) and Event Partner (single Event) packages are optional paid offerings. Pricing, deliverables, term and payment schedule are set out in a written order, invoice or Sponsorship Agreement, which incorporates these Terms. Benefits such as booths, speaking slots, logo placement, directory position, social posts and newsletter features are subject to REF’s scheduling, content standards and Event availability, and REF does not guarantee leads, attendance numbers, impressions or business results.

9.3 Payment. Fees are due as stated in the order or invoice, in U.S. dollars, and exclude applicable taxes, which you will pay. Payments are processed by third-party processors under their terms. Past-due amounts accrue interest at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by Texas law, and REF may suspend partner benefits until paid.

9.4 Refunds. Unless a signed agreement states otherwise: partnership fees are non-refundable once the partnership has been announced or any benefit delivered; if REF cancels an Event and does not reschedule it within 180 days, REF will refund or credit the unused portion attributable to that Event; and paid Event tickets, if any, are refundable only as stated on the Event page. Nothing in this Section limits any refund right that cannot be waived under applicable law.

9.5 Partner content. Partners grant REF a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use their names, logos, trademarks and supplied materials to deliver the partnership benefits, and represent that they have the right to grant it. Partner content must be accurate and lawful and is subject to REF’s approval.

10. Acceptable Use

10.1 You agree to use the Services only for lawful, professional purposes. You will not:

  1. violate any federal, Texas or local law, including fair housing, anti-discrimination, securities, licensing, anti-spam, privacy and consumer protection laws;
  2. post false, misleading or fraudulent information, including fake listings, misrepresented credentials, or wire, title or deed fraud schemes;
  3. harass, threaten, defame, discriminate against or intimidate any person;
  4. send unsolicited bulk messages, chain messages or spam, or use member contact information for marketing outside the Services without consent;
  5. collect, export or store other members’ personal information except as needed for a genuine one-to-one professional connection;
  6. upload viruses, malware or harmful code, or interfere with the security or operation of the Services;
  7. infringe or misappropriate anyone’s intellectual property, trade secrets or rights of privacy or publicity;
  8. offer, solicit or pay bribes, kickbacks or improper gifts, including to any public official (see Section 15); or
  9. use the Services to recruit members to a competing network or to resell access to the Services.

11. Automated Access, Scraping and Platform Data

11.1 Except as expressly authorized by REF in writing, you may not access or use the Services through robots, bots, spiders, crawlers, scrapers, scripts, data-mining tools, AI agents or any other automated means, and you may not:

  1. scrape, harvest, download or collect member profiles, directory listings, Event attendee lists, messages or other data (“Platform Data”);
  2. aggregate Platform Data into another database, or republish, sell, license or commercially exploit it;
  3. use Platform Data or the Services to build a competing product, benchmark or reverse engineer the Services, or train, fine-tune or evaluate any machine learning or AI model;
  4. bypass, disable or interfere with authentication, rate limits, bot detection, anti-scraping technology or other security measures; or
  5. send request volumes that impair the performance of the Services.

11.2 Your access to the Services is authorized only within the limits of these Terms. Access beyond those limits is without authorization and may violate the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030), Texas Penal Code § 33.02 (Breach of Computer Security), Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code ch. 143 (Harmful Access by Computer), the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code ch. 134A) and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

11.3 REF may monitor use, deploy bot detection, block IP addresses and networks, and suspend or terminate accounts engaged in automated access.

11.4 Liquidated damages. Because the harm from unauthorized scraping is real but difficult to measure, if you obtain Platform Data in breach of this Section you agree to pay REF, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, $5 for each member profile or record obtained, up to $250,000 per breach, which the parties agree is a reasonable forecast of REF’s damages. This does not limit REF’s right to injunctive relief or to recover its actual damages instead where they are greater and provable.

12. Your Content and Intellectual Property

12.1 Your content. You keep ownership of profile information, posts, messages, project details, photos, presentations and other material you submit (“User Content”). You grant REF a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to host, store, reproduce, display, adapt (for formatting) and distribute your User Content to operate, promote and improve the Services, including displaying your professional profile to other approved members and in Event materials as described in our Privacy Policy. This license ends when your User Content is deleted, except for copies kept in backups, in records required by law, or already shared with other members.

12.2 You represent that you own or have all rights needed for your User Content, that it is accurate, and that it does not violate any law or third-party right. REF does not pre-screen User Content and is not responsible for it, but may remove or restrict any User Content at its discretion.

12.3 Feedback. If you send REF ideas or suggestions, REF may use them without restriction or compensation.

12.4 REF’s property. The Services, including software, the App, design, text, graphics, logos, Event recordings, REF Pulse Magazine, compilations of Platform Data and the “REF,” “Real Estate Forum” and “REFORUM” names and marks, are owned by or licensed to REF and protected by U.S. and international copyright, trademark, trade secret and other laws. Subject to these Terms, REF grants you a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Services for your own professional purposes. All other rights are reserved. You may not copy, record, rebroadcast or distribute webinars or Event content without REF’s written permission.

12.5 Copyright complaints (DMCA). If you believe content on the Services infringes your copyright, send a notice meeting 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3) to our designated agent: Copyright Agent, Real Estate Forum, Inc., info@reforum.net (subject line “DMCA Notice”). The notice must include your signature, identification of the work and the infringing material, your contact information, a good-faith statement that the use is unauthorized, and a statement under penalty of perjury that the notice is accurate and you are authorized to act. Counter-notices may be sent under § 512(g). REF terminates the accounts of repeat infringers in appropriate circumstances.

13. Events

13.1 Registration. An RSVP or ticket is a revocable license to attend, personal to you unless REF agrees otherwise. REF may limit capacity, verify identity, refuse entry or remove any attendee who violates these Terms, venue rules or the law, without refund.

13.2 Changes and cancellation. Dates, venues, agendas and speakers may change. REF may postpone, move to virtual format or cancel any Event, including for weather, venue issues, public health, low registration or other causes beyond its reasonable control. REF’s only obligation in that case is stated in Section 9.4; REF is not responsible for travel, lodging or other costs you incur.

13.3 Conduct. Attendees must act professionally, follow venue rules (including rules on alcohol and weapons), and refrain from harassment, disruption and unauthorized selling or solicitation. You are responsible for any damage you cause to the venue or others.

13.4 Assumption of risk. Attendance at in-person Events involves ordinary risks of travel, crowds, food and beverages and venue premises. YOU VOLUNTARILY ASSUME THOSE RISKS. REF DOES NOT OWN OR CONTROL EVENT VENUES AND IS NOT LIABLE FOR THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF VENUES, CATERERS, SPEAKERS, SPONSORS OR OTHER ATTENDEES. Nothing in this Section releases REF from liability for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

13.5 Photography, recording and likeness. REF and its contractors may photograph, film, record and stream Events and webinars. By attending, you grant REF an irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use your name, likeness, image, voice, title, company name and statements captured at the Event in any media, for marketing, social media, the Website, the App and REF publications, without compensation or approval rights. If you do not want to be photographed or featured, notify REF staff at check-in or email info@reforum.net before the Event, and REF will make reasonable efforts to honor your request going forward. You may not record webinars or Event sessions without REF’s permission.

13.6 Speakers and presenters grant REF the same license to their presentations and recordings, represent that their materials do not infringe third-party rights or disclose confidential information, and remain solely responsible for their statements.

14. Communications, Text Messages and WhatsApp

14.1 Transactional messages. By creating an account or registering for an Event, you agree that REF may contact you by email, in-App notification, phone, SMS or WhatsApp about your account, Events you registered for and service matters.

14.2 Marketing messages. REF will send marketing or promotional texts, WhatsApp messages or automated calls only with your prior express written consent, given separately and not as a condition of membership or any purchase. Message frequency varies; message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out of texts or HELP for help, and you may unsubscribe from marketing email using the link in any email. REF complies with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the CAN-SPAM Act and Texas Business & Commerce Code chapters 302 and 304.

14.3 You agree to update your number if it changes, and you represent that any number you provide belongs to you.

14.4 Member messaging. In-App messaging is for professional communication between members. Do not use it for mass solicitation. REF may review messages reported to it or flagged by automated systems for violations of these Terms, safety or legal compliance.

15. Public Officials and Government Participants

15.1 REF welcomes city, county, state and other public officials and employees (“Public Officials”). REF does not offer or provide anything of value in exchange for any official act, decision, vote or exercise of discretion, and nothing on the Services is lobbying on behalf of REF.

15.2 Public Officials are solely responsible for complying with laws and policies that apply to them, including Texas Penal Code chapter 36 (Bribery and Corrupt Influence), Texas Local Government Code chapters 171 and 176 (conflicts of interest and disclosure), the Texas Open Meetings Act, the Texas Public Information Act and their agency’s gift and ethics rules. If complimentary admission, meals or other benefits would be impermissible for you, you must decline them or pay fair value.

15.3 Members must not use the Services to offer, promise or give anything of value to a Public Official to influence an official decision, or to seek nonpublic government information. REF may remove anyone who does so and report suspected unlawful conduct to authorities.

16. Disclaimer of Warranties

16.1 THE SERVICES, EVENTS, AI FEATURES, PLATFORM DATA AND ALL CONTENT ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE,” WITH ALL FAULTS. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, REF DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND ANY WARRANTY ARISING FROM COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE.

16.2 REF DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE OR ERROR-FREE; THAT ANY CONTENT, AI OUTPUT, MEMBER PROFILE, LICENSE STATUS OR CREDENTIAL IS ACCURATE; THAT ANY MEMBER, SPONSOR, SPEAKER, PROJECT OR OPPORTUNITY IS LEGITIMATE, QUALIFIED OR SUITABLE; OR THAT YOU WILL OBTAIN ANY CONNECTION, DEAL, FINANCING, LEAD OR RETURN. REF does not perform background checks on members.

17. Limitation of Liability

17.1 TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL REF, ITS AFFILIATES, OR ITS AND THEIR OWNERS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, CHAPTER LEADERS, VOLUNTEERS, CONTRACTORS AND AGENTS (THE “REF PARTIES”) BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST DEALS, LOST OPPORTUNITIES, LOSS OF DATA OR LOSS OF GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SERVICES, EVENTS OR THESE TERMS, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, STATUTE OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THEIR POSSIBILITY.

17.2 THE REF PARTIES’ TOTAL CUMULATIVE LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SERVICES, EVENTS OR THESE TERMS WILL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNTS YOU PAID TO REF IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM, OR (B) ONE HUNDRED U.S. DOLLARS (US $100).

17.3 THE REF PARTIES HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR THE CONDUCT, STATEMENTS, CONTENT, OFFERINGS, PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OF ANY MEMBER, SPONSOR, PARTNER, SPEAKER, VENUE, PUBLIC OFFICIAL OR OTHER THIRD PARTY, OR FOR ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN YOU AND ANY OF THEM.

17.4 These limitations are an essential basis of the bargain; REF offers free membership in reliance on them. They apply even if a limited remedy fails of its essential purpose. They do not limit liability that cannot be limited under Texas law, including liability for REF’s fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct, or for death or bodily injury caused by REF’s negligence to the extent Texas law forbids such a limitation.

18. Indemnification and Release

18.1 INDEMNITY. YOU WILL DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS THE REF PARTIES FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, FINES, PENALTIES, COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COURT AND ARBITRATION COSTS) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO: (A) YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES OR ATTENDANCE AT EVENTS; (B) YOUR USER CONTENT, PARTNER CONTENT OR PRESENTATIONS; (C) YOUR BREACH OF THESE TERMS OR VIOLATION OF ANY LAW; (D) ANY REAL ESTATE, FINANCING, INVESTMENT OR OTHER TRANSACTION OR DISPUTE BETWEEN YOU AND ANY OTHER MEMBER, SPONSOR OR THIRD PARTY; OR (E) YOUR INFRINGEMENT OF ANY THIRD-PARTY RIGHT.

18.2 EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE. THE INDEMNITY IN SECTION 18.1 APPLIES EVEN IF THE CLAIM OR LOSS IS CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE SOLE, JOINT, CONCURRENT OR COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY REF PARTY, BUT IT DOES NOT APPLY TO THE EXTENT A CLAIM OR LOSS IS FINALLY DETERMINED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A REF PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE, FRAUD OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS PROVISION IS CONSPICUOUS AND SATISFIES THE EXPRESS NEGLIGENCE AND FAIR NOTICE REQUIREMENTS OF TEXAS LAW.

18.3 REF may assume exclusive control of the defense of any claim subject to indemnification at your expense, and you will cooperate. You may not settle any such claim without REF’s prior written consent.

18.4 RELEASE. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU RELEASE THE REF PARTIES FROM ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND OTHER MEMBERS, SPONSORS, SPEAKERS, VENUES OR THIRD PARTIES, AND ANY TRANSACTION OR RELATIONSHIP YOU FORM THROUGH THE SERVICES, INCLUDING CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF A REF PARTY, EXCEPT CLAIMS ARISING FROM A REF PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE, FRAUD OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.

18.5 Consumers. If you are an individual using the Services primarily for personal, family or household purposes, Sections 17 and 18 apply only to the extent permitted by the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act and other non-waivable consumer protection laws, and nothing in these Terms waives any right you have under them.

19. Governing Law and Venue

19.1 These Terms and any dispute arising out of or relating to them or the Services are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict-of-law rules, and by applicable federal law. Section 20 is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act.

19.2 Subject to Section 20, the exclusive venue for any court proceeding is the state courts located in Collin County, Texas, or the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division. You and REF consent to personal jurisdiction there and waive any objection based on inconvenient forum.

19.3 Time to bring claims. Any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services must be filed within two (2) years after the claim accrues, or it is permanently barred, except where Texas law provides a longer non-waivable period.

20. Dispute Resolution: Binding Arbitration, Class Action Waiver and Jury Waiver

20.1 Informal resolution first. Before starting arbitration or a lawsuit, the party with a claim must send the other a written notice describing the claim and the relief sought (to Real Estate Forum, Inc., 7000 Parkwood Boulevard, Suite B400, Frisco, Texas 75034, and to info@reforum.net with “Legal Notice” in the subject line). The parties will try in good faith to resolve it for 30 days. If unresolved, either party may request non-binding mediation in Collin County, Texas (or by video), with the mediator’s fee split equally, before arbitration. Applicable limitations periods are tolled during this process.

20.2 Agreement to arbitrate. YOU AND REF AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE, CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES, EVENTS OR ANY RELATIONSHIP WITH REF, INCLUDING ITS FORMATION, SCOPE, VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY, WILL BE RESOLVED BY FINAL AND BINDING INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION, AND NOT IN COURT. These Terms involve interstate commerce, and this Section is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. To the extent the FAA does not apply, the Texas Arbitration Act applies.

20.3 Rules and location. Arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, except that the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules apply where you are an individual using the Services for personal, family or household purposes. A single arbitrator will decide the dispute and issue a reasoned written award. Hearings will take place in Collin County, Texas, unless the parties agree to a video hearing or, for consumer claims, the rules require a different location. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

20.4 Costs. Each party pays its own attorneys’ fees, subject to Section 20.9. Filing and arbitrator fees are allocated under the applicable AAA rules; for consumer claims, both parties will pay all AAA fees beyond the amount the consumer would pay to file in court.

20.5 Exceptions. Either party may (a) bring an individual claim in small claims or justice court in Collin County, Texas, if it qualifies; and (b) seek temporary, preliminary or permanent injunctive or other equitable relief in the courts named in Section 19.2, without first mediating or arbitrating and without posting bond to the extent permitted by law, for actual or threatened infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property, breach of Section 11 (Automated Access) or unauthorized access to the Services. You agree such conduct would cause REF irreparable harm.

20.6 CLASS ACTION WAIVER. YOU AND REF MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST EACH OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, COLLECTIVE, CONSOLIDATED OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING. THE ARBITRATOR MAY NOT CONSOLIDATE CLAIMS OF MORE THAN ONE PERSON OR AWARD RELIEF TO ANYONE OTHER THAN THE INDIVIDUAL PARTY. If this waiver is found unenforceable as to a claim, that claim must be severed and heard in court under Section 19, and the remaining claims will be arbitrated.

20.7 Mass claims. If 25 or more similar demands are filed against REF by or with the help of the same or coordinated counsel, the AAA Mass Arbitration Supplementary Rules apply, and the demands may be administered in batches.

20.8 JURY TRIAL WAIVER. IF ANY DISPUTE PROCEEDS IN COURT RATHER THAN ARBITRATION, YOU AND REF KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY.

20.9 Attorneys’ fees. In any action to enforce these Terms, including collection of amounts owed or relief under Section 11, the prevailing party may recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, in addition to any recovery under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code chapter 38. For consumer claims, this applies to REF only where the arbitrator finds the claim was frivolous or brought for an improper purpose.

20.10 Opt-out. You may opt out of this arbitration agreement by emailing info@reforum.net, subject line “Arbitration Opt-Out,” within 30 days after you first accept these Terms, stating your name, account email and that you opt out. Opting out does not affect any other part of these Terms, including Section 19.

20.11 Survival and severability. This Section survives termination of your account. If any part of it other than Section 20.6 is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.

21. Suspension and Termination

21.1 You may close your account at any time in the App or by emailing info@reforum.net. Paid partnership obligations continue as stated in your order or agreement.

21.2 REF may suspend, restrict or terminate your account, directory listing, chapter role or Event access, with or without notice, if REF reasonably believes you breached these Terms, created legal or reputational risk for REF or its members, or engaged in fraud, harassment or automated access. REF may also discontinue the Services generally.

21.3 On termination, your license to use the Services ends. Sections 4, 7, 9.3, 11, 12, 13.5, 16 through 20, and 22 through 24 survive, together with any other provision that by its nature should survive.

22. Third-Party Services and Links

The Services may link to or integrate third-party websites, sign-in providers (Google, Apple), payment processors, messaging services (including WhatsApp), venues and sponsor offers. REF does not control and is not responsible for them; your use of them is governed by their terms and privacy policies.

23. Mobile App Terms

23.1 The App is licensed, not sold, to you for use on devices you own or control, subject to these Terms and the usage rules of the Apple App Store or Google Play (each an “App Store”).

23.2 Apple. If you downloaded the App from the Apple App Store: (a) these Terms are between you and REF only, not Apple, and REF alone is responsible for the App; (b) Apple has no obligation to provide maintenance or support; (c) if the App fails to conform to any applicable warranty, you may notify Apple for a refund of any purchase price, and Apple has no other warranty obligation; (d) REF, not Apple, is responsible for any product liability, legal compliance, consumer protection or intellectual property claims relating to the App; (e) you represent that you are not in a U.S.-embargoed country or on a U.S. government restricted-party list; and (f) Apple and its subsidiaries are third-party beneficiaries of these Terms and may enforce them against you.

23.3 App updates may be required to continue using the Services.

24. General Provisions

24.1 Entire agreement. These Terms, with the documents incorporated in Section 1.4, are the entire agreement between you and REF about the Services and supersede prior understandings on that subject.

24.2 Severability. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, it will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted and reformed to reflect the parties’ intent, and the remaining provisions stay in full effect.

24.3 No waiver. REF’s failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver of its right to do so later. A waiver is effective only in writing signed by REF.

24.4 Assignment. You may not assign these Terms without REF’s written consent. REF may assign them, including in a merger, acquisition or sale of assets, without notice.

24.5 Force majeure. REF is not liable for delay or failure caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, power or internet outages, cyberattacks, pandemics, government orders, labor disputes or venue failures.

24.6 Relationship. Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, agency, employment or fiduciary relationship between you and REF. Chapter leaders and volunteers are not authorized to bind REF unless REF confirms so in writing.

24.7 Export and sanctions. You will comply with U.S. export control and sanctions laws in using the Services.

24.8 Headings and interpretation. Headings are for convenience only. “Including” means “including without limitation.” These Terms will not be construed against the drafter.

24.9 Notices. REF may give you notice under Section 4.2. You must give legal notice to REF in writing at REF’s principal office stated in Section 25, with a copy to info@reforum.net.

25. Contact

Real Estate Forum, Inc. (REF)
Principal office: 7000 Parkwood Boulevard, Suite B400, Frisco, Texas 75034
Mailing address: PO Box 2289, Frisco, Texas 75034
Email: info@reforum.net
Phone: 210-756-8514
Website: www.reforum.net

By clicking “I agree,” creating an account, registering for an Event or using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use, including the arbitration agreement, class action waiver, jury trial waiver, limitation of liability and indemnity provisions.