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
Co-Author: Jon Goodman Question: How does the mediation process work? Response: Section 21 of the Real Estate Commission-approved Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate (Residential) (CBS 2-7-04) provides, in part, as follows: “If a dispute arises relating to this contract, prior to or after Closing, and is not resolved, the parties shall first proceed … 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
Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine May, 2003 by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. Q: What are the main forms of contract breach in real estate? Frascona: In real estate, contract breaches can occur in the property listing agreement between the broker and the seller or in the sales … 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: I am considering buying my first new home. I have heard there is a “statutory builder’s warranty” which I will receive at closing from my builder/seller. What is this warranty, and what does it do for me? Answer: Contrary to popular belief, there is no such animal as a “statutory builder’s warranty.” There … 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
