EXAM QUESTIONS Flashcards
3 forms of representation in Virginia:
Which one is the 4th not included?
Standard agent, limited service agent, independent contractor.
Commercial agent
Standard Agent is
Has all duties of a standard agent defined in the Virginia Code (statute).
Standard Agent Duties are -
5 part
Duties: Represent client, assist in negotiations, assist in contract, account for money, fiduciary.
Most agents in Virginia are standard agents with all the statutory duties.
Don’t use the word full service agent. Standard agent has all the duties of the code.
Limited Service Agent is
One who is not a standard agent because only a limited number of agency duties provided.
Limited Service Agents must state…
3 part
Must state 1-acting as limited service agent 2) services to be provided and 3- not to be provided.
So it must state standard agent duties that WILL be provided and duties NOT to be provided.
Must advise client of required disclosures such as property disclosure form to provide to buyers
Independent Contractor is
Is a representative for client but is not the client’s agent.
Independent contractors provide…
Provides licensee services as stated in written agreement (e.g. MLS entry only, find a home, etc.)
Independent contractor is not an agent (no agency duties). A non-agency “representative”
Duties are based on the written agreement and licensee laws, not VA agency laws.
Must still be paid by broker. Must have written brokerage agreement.
Must still be honest, account for money and maintain confidentiality.
Dual agency in Virginia is when …
Represent both parties w/ written disclosure. Dual agency is legal in Virginia.
Limited assistance- Dual agent cannot be loyal to either party. Must still disclose and be honest.
Designated agency-
2 different agents from same firm represent the two parties. Broker is dual agent.
Broker, not agent, must make designation. Dual and designated require written consent of both parties.
How does a licensee serve a Unrepresented party (“customer”)-
Licensee may assist unrepresented person who is not his client.
“Ministerial acts” only for customer: Licensee assists customer to fill out contract and state facts.
One cannot provide advice or use discretion or judgment for the unrepresented customer.
Must still be honest and disclose known material adverse facts about property.
But primary responsibility is to your client, not the customer (who you do not represent).
You may show other homes to a customer and sign a buyer agreement for the other homes.
Does Virginia require a brokerage agreement?
What does it include (3 part)?
Virginia now requires a written brokerage agreement for buyers and tenants.
Must include: 1-services to be provided, 2-fees that may be due and 3-expiration date.
Virginia requires a brokerage agreement to be how long?
Expiration date must be in writing and a specific date (e.g. #of days or specific date)
If no expiration date stated, it expires in 90 days (but salesperson is in violation).
Disclosure of brokerage relationship happens at what time?
In what way?
This is where you talk to with an unrepresented party.
One must disclose who you represent upon “first substantive discussion” of specific real estate.
You may disclose orally but should put it in writing at the earliest practical time.
Example: Not required for open house visitor… until they ask specific real estate questions
Commission amount required in agreement must be…
Must be $ amount or % of sales price.
Net listing in Virginia is when?
Is it legal in Virginia?
(illegal)- Where seller “nets” anything over a certain price.
Listing Agreements must be…
Must be in writing. Must provide a copy of signed agreement to client.
Exclusive vs non Exclusive listings means…
Exclusive means you can only have one agent. Non-exclusive allows one to hire other agents
“Exclusive agency”-
If client finds buyer without broker’s help, no commission is due. Broker must be
“procuring cause” (the one who makes the deal happen) to receive the commission.
“Exclusive right” to sell or buy-
If the client does a deal without the broker, broker still gets a commission.
Broker automatically gets a commission if the sale occurs during the listing period.
Open listing-
Not exclusive. Client can hire multiple brokers. Not very common.
Advise client about disclosures-
5 total
Property disclosure (1-4 residential units), Megan's law (sex offender list) And other disclosures (if applicable)- lead-based paint, mold, defective drywall
Advise about Condo/POA docs (if applicable) to buyer that they can…
delivery and buyer’s 3 day right to cancel contract
How brokerage relationship can be terminated:
3 total
Agreement expires, mutual agreement or death of principal.
It is also terminated if client refuses to consent to disclosed dual agency.
No duties owed after termination EXCEPT:
1-account for money, 2-confidentiality