CO Real Estate - Legal Issues, Contracts & Regulations Flashcards
Who established the Colorado Real Estate Commission and why?
The Colorado legislature, and to protect the public in real estate transactions
What does the Commission do with formal written complaints?
They must investigate and response, verbal complaints don’t require the same attention
What types of complaints are not pursued?
Complaints relating to compensation disputes between brokers, complaints based solely on “ethics” violations and complaints related to generally poor business practices
These issues are outside the purview of the Real Estate Commission
The licensee being investigated is called the
Respondent
Must respondent’s respond to Commission inquiries?
YES - failure to do so is a violation in itself and can be more serious than the original complaint
If a complaint is escalated to the Commission, what are the 3 general directions of next steps?
- If there appears to be no infraction, the Commission can dismiss the complaint
- If infraction appears to be minor and there is no history of problems with the respondent broker, the can issue a “Letter of Admonishment” which is the lowest form of disciplinary action and is basically a warning
- If there is a clear violation serious enough to pursue a hearing, the Commissioners and Staff work in conjunction with other sources to prepare a case.
What type of judge hears a real estate Commissions hearing?
An administrative law judge
NOT a jury trial, judge renders a decision but doesn’t pose impose a punishment. The judge then refers the matter back to Commission to dismiss or impose penalties
What are the different types of penalties the Commission may render?
- Public censure: written reprimand, typical for lessor offenses and first time violations
- Suspension of license (year or less)
- Revocation of lciense
- Fines up to $2,500
Does the Commission have authority to investigate or prosecute criminal matters?
NO, but they can refer matter to the appropriate district attorney
Can Commission impose actual damages?
No, but if the respondent agrees to pay complainant, then it’s considered restitution and becomes an enforceable agreement
How long must brokers maintain transaction files for ?
Four years
Who audits brokerage firm’s files and trust accounts?
The commission, can be performed at any time with or without advance notice
What happens if a new rule needs to be created or modified?
A public hearing process is followed to give the general public and real estate community an opportunity to raise concerns and present testimony
Where are hearings and proposals for rules published
In a Notice of Proposed Rule Making
A full discussion of a certain rule or point of law the Commission realizes the real estate community found confusing is a
Position Statement
Do position statements have the same force and effect of a Commission rule?
No - they just provide clear notice to community regarding how the Commission will interpret rules and laws
Three requirements for brokers until the Conway-Bogue Realty Investment COmpany vs Denver Bar Association rule
- Broker firm must be connected with the transaction as a broker, not preparing documents for parties with who they don’t have a brokerage relationship with
- Must be no fee for preparing the documents other than normal real estate commission
- Documents must be prepared on commonly used, printed, standard or approved forms
Outcome of the Title Guaranty Co. v Denver Bar Association case
Title companies do not have the right to complete legal documents. A broker must hire the title company as a scrivener to complete all legal documents and that broker is required to pay the title company for that performance.
**Brokers are not allowed to receive referral fees
Also, brokers must recommend to buyer and seller that an attorney examine the title
What is Rule F?
Describes the forms and requires brokers use approved form when one exists for the goal the broker is trying to achieve. Additional requirements of this rule are as follows:
- Brokers can’t alter standard language as approved
- Brokers may add information identifying the brokerage firm when forms are printed
- Deletions or strikes from forms must be crossed out so that deleted words remain legible
- Language added in blank spaces must be in italics or a different font
- Certain specific provisions may be omitted if they don’t apply
- Approve forms must have statement of approval by the Colorado RE Commission
- A broker who is not a party to a contract cannot add personal provisions in the addendum
If an addendum is added to the Commission approved contract and does not result from a negotiation, then it must be prepared by one of the following
Attorney representing the brokerage
Principal to the transaction
An attorney representing the principal party
Can brokerage firms have their attorney prepare contracts for general use in the firm?
No - they need to use Commission approved forms
According to Rule F, when should contract forms be filled out?
AFTEr negotiation with the party
What types of contracts does rule F not apply to?
Contracts for new homes with warranties
Contracts prepared by a subdivision developer
Colorado Law on Meth Labs
Disclosure requirements in place for sellers regarding known previous use of a property used as a meth lab. Would be exempt from disclosure requirement if the property has been remediated