Jon GoodmanCo-Author: Karen Radakovich, Esq. Go to Senate Bill 100 – Part I Question: As a REALTOR® what do I need to know about Senate Bill 100 (“SB100”), the law which requires sellers to provide homeowners’ association governing documents and other financial information to buyers? Response: Part I, addressed seven questions related to Senate Bill 100. … Continue Reading
Co-Author: Janeen R. Hill, Esq. Question: I just bought a property through the foreclosure process. I expected that the foreclosure of the first deed of trust would extinguish all liens against the property, including delinquent homeowner’s association fees. Now the association is claiming a lien for six months of assessments, plus the attorneys fees spent … Continue Reading
Co-Author: David A. Farus, Esq. This article explains the exception for Payment for Services Actually Rendered. Another article on our site explains the Affiliated Business Arrangements (ABA’s) exception. Question: I own a real estate brokerage firm. Mortgage companies and others profit from the business I refer to them. Does RESPA prohibit me from receiving referral … Continue Reading
Co-Author: David A. Farus, Esq. This article explains the RESPA exception for Affiliated Business Arrangements (ABA’s). Another article on our site explains the exception for Payment for Services Actually Rendered. Question: I own a real estate brokerage firm. Mortgage companies and others profit from the business I refer to them. Does RESPA prohibit me from … Continue Reading
I have an Exclusive Right-to-Buy (Buyer Agency) agreement with my buyers. Over the last three months, I have shown them approximately 30 homes. My clients now wish to make an offer on an unlisted property which is for sale by its owner. My buyers do not want to pay me my commission; they want … Continue Reading
I am the listing broker for a transaction set to close tomorrow. My seller and I have just learned that the buyer’s lender will not fund tomorrow. The buyer needs a three-day extension. All of the contingency deadlines in the contract have passed so that there is no longer any contingency excusing the buyer from … Continue Reading
Co-Author: Amanda S.P. Howe, Esq. Question: I am the only broker involved in a transaction. Our company agency policy says that I become a transaction-broker. My listing agreement with the seller says I become a transaction-broker. My Exclusive Right-to-Buy Agreement with the buyer says I become a transaction-broker. If I make a mistake and check the … Continue Reading
Question #1: My company does not permit cold calling. Do I still need to have a written policy addressing the Do Not Call regulations? Answer: Not if you are a one person company. If you have licensees working under you, they may violate your prohibition. Employing brokers need a written policy to create a … Continue Reading
I am working on a transaction on behalf of the seller. The buyer would like to agree to a letter of intent. What are the legal ramifications of such a letter? While letters of intent can be a constructive step towards reaching a contract, they have pitfalls, especially for sellers and landlords. Parties frequently … Continue Reading
Question: I am starting a real estate company with two other partners. We are leasing office space. The landlord has requested personal guarantees from each of the three partners. Is there a way for me to guarantee one-third of the obligations under the lease, without being personally liable for the entire obligation? Response: A … Continue Reading
