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May 25, 2013
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Law & Ethics: Law Articles

  • The Law & You: Find and Conquer Red Flags
    Tue, 05/01/2001

    We refer to them all the time, but what are real estate red flags, and what should we do when we identify them? Calling attention to red flags may make waves in a transaction, but it’s far better than overlooking them, which leaves your client or customer vulnerable and you open to liability.

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  • The Law & You: Thou Shalt Protect Clients
    Sun, 04/01/2001

    More and more courts are saying representing buyers raises your standard of care--and your liability.

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  • The Law & You: The Bonus and the Buyer's Agent
    Thu, 03/01/2001

    Structure bonuses clearly and in writing to avoid confusion.

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  • The Law & You: Your License on the Line
    Thu, 02/01/2001

    Having a complaint filed against your license with your state’s regulatory body can be traumatic. Few licensees are familiar with the issues and procedures involved in responding to, and defending against, a license complaint. This article will explain how licensing authorities generally handle complaints and suggest how to respond effectively.

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  • The Law & You: How Disclosure Forms Reduce Risk
    Mon, 01/01/2001

    For well over a decade, NAR statistics have shown that the leading sources of litigation against real estate practitioners are lawsuits alleging either misrepresentation or failure to disclose a material fact. Most of these suits are brought by a homebuyer against the seller and all real estate practitioners involved in the transaction.

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  • The Law & You: Put Stigmas in Their Place
    Fri, 12/01/2000

    A stigmatized property puts you in the difficult position of wondering what facts, if any, you must disclose to prospective buyers. It’s important to understand, because failing to disclose a stigma or disclosing it improperly is a frequent claim in lawsuits against real estate licensees.

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  • The Law & You: Give Your Ads a Safety Check
    Wed, 11/01/2000

    If you can remove, in advance, a buyer’s likelihood of misunderstanding or being misled by advertising language, you’ll reduce the likelihood of a post-close challenge. When working on a draft real estate ad, ask yourself, Could someone reasonably challenge any claim made in the text? Here are some tips to consider when reviewing your draft ad copy.

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  • Oklahoma Law Spells Out Licensees' Duties
    Sun, 10/01/2000

    A landmark brokerage relationship law that takes effect Nov. 1 makes Oklahoma the seventh state to spell out a neutral transaction brokerage relationship between practitioners and customers.

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  • The Law & You: Internet is not Lawless Wild West
    Fri, 09/01/2000

    Don’t believe the myth that the Internet is as lawless as the Wild West. Government at all levels is watching what happens online and clearly believes it has the authority to regulate and punish misconduct. Likewise, courts have had no difficulty extending the long arm of the law into cyberspace.

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  • The Law & You: Home Inspection Risk Reduction
    Tue, 08/01/2000

    When they involve property condition, surprises can mean liability for sellers and real estate salespeople. One way to avoid surprises--whether you represent the buyer or the seller—is to stress the importance of a home inspection. Then follow up with these additional risk-reduction steps.

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