2 Flashcards
What is the Law of Agency?
Legal Relationship resulting from agreement between agent and principal - Agent shall act for and be subject to the control of the principal
Universal Agent
unlimited authority
General Agent
wide authority, continuous nature (such as a store manager)
Special Agent
limited authority for specific transition - i.e. REAL ESTATE BROKER or attorney
Single Agent
broker engaged by and represents only one party in a transaction
How is agency relationship generally created in real estate?
By a contract (which is an employment agreement)
Does Colorado law require that a real estate contract between broker and principal be in writing? Is this required by common law of agency?
YES, NO
What is Actual Authority of Agent?
authority given either expressly or implied by principal
What is Express Authority?
written or verbal agreement of how agent reps principal
Implied Authority of agent?
authority that is reasonably needed to perform the express authority. (example, store manager wasn’t told they could fire employees, but that authority is implied in order to manage the store). Real estate example: Broker delegates authority to subagent.
Apparent Authority?
third party can reasonably believe an individual has authority to act and bind the principal. Example: Seller tells buyer he always uses Broker A and should only deal with Broker A. Even if Broker A is unaware of desire to sell, if Buyer approaches Broker A then Seller and Broker are legally entitled to rely on Sellers’s assertions of Broker A’s authority.
Principal’s 4 Basic Duties to Agent
- perform contract
- compensate agent (usually commission % of sale)
- reimburse agent for expenses (most real estate contracts DO NOT include reimbursement other than commission)
- Indemnify agent for loss suffered because of agency (principal is liable for damages if they wrongfully terminate the contract - sell with another broker without notifying original agent, for example)
Agent’s 5 Basic Duties to Principal COAL-D
Care, Obedience, Accounting, Loyalty, Disclosure
What does CARE duty of Agent to principal mean?
liable for any loss due to lack of “care” - such as not understanding or explaining basics of real estate (loan types available, listings, pricing, etc. - must demonstrate competence in real estate fundamentals.
What does OBEDIENCE duty of Agent to principal mean?
Perform according to terms of the employment contract. (ex: if seller will not sell for under 200,000, agent must not negotiate for a 195,000 sale)
What does LOYALTY duty of Agent to principal mean?
Agent may not personally profit from the agency relationship other than specified commission. Agent mustn’t disclose (during and after) confidential information of principal if it would be to disadvantage or prejudice of principal. May not have opposing or adverse interests, nor represent another who has opposing interests of principal. Example: agent should not purchase property from principal without principal’s full knowledge and consent - nor represent buyer without seller’s consent. Should not withhold any offers to principal. Must use best efforts to obtain best deal for principal.