lesson 4: the legal environment Flashcards
The legal environment in real estate transactions includes which two parties?
principal and agent
the principal and agent in real estate are governed by which law?
the law of agency
the law of agency
explain it in the world of real estate
The law of agency entails rules set forth when another individual is doing something on one’s behalf
concerns the legal rights, duties, and liabilities of the principal (P), the agent (A) and a third party (TP), based on contracts and/or the relationship between them
In real estate, a principle hires an agent to sell his house, or a principal can hire an agent to purchase a house on his behalf
when is agency created
Agency is created when one person is given the right to act on behalf of, or under the control of, another
who is the principal?
The person for whom an agent acts is a principal
when does a real estate owner become a principal?
in signing a listing agreement
what is a disclosed principal?
a principal that is identified to the third party
what is an undisclosed principal?
a principal that is not identified to the third party
he is represented by an agent that appears to act in his own self-interest
what is a partially disclosed principal?
principal that is not identified to the third party
the agent acknowledges that a principal is involved
who is the agent?
The person acting for, or representing, another with the latter’s authority
ex: a broker acts as an agent under a listing agreement
who is the third party in real estate?
The third party often refers to a potential buyer
explain a fiduciary relationship
When buying, selling, or leasing, trust and faith should exist between the parties involved
these traits are both expected and necessary
what is the relationship between the principal and the third party?
the principal wants to sell his property to the third party
the latter will pay directly to principal
what is the relationship between the principal and the agent?
the principal hires the agent
the principal pays (commission or pay) the agent for services
what is the relationship between the agent and the third party?
the agent finds the buyer
what is a principal’s main duty?
to compensate the agent in accordance with the contract of employment
how must the principal be accurate when trying to sell his shit?
A principal must also give the broker/agent complete and accurate information when listing a property
explain the principal’s liability?
A principal is liable on all agreements or contracts made by an agent within the authority given the agent
true or false
Agents are personally liable for their own acts
true bruv
what are the agent’s necessary characteristics towards principal and the job?
care
obedience
accountability
loyalty
communication
how must an agent care?
An agent must be diligent, reasonable, and act in good faith in any representation
Agents are personally liable for their own acts
how must an agent be obedient?
An agent should obey instructions that pertain to the purpose of the principal–agent relationship
This includes keeping within the authority granted
what happens when an agent exceeds his or her authority?
any agent who exceeds his or her authority will incur personal liability
how must an agent be accountable?
An agent should keep adequate records concerning funds or property
It is illegal for a broker to commingle or mix personal funds with the funds of a principal
how must an agent be loyal?
An agent must not benefit from the relationship except through compensation from the principal unless otherwise agreed
This is also known as faithful performance
how must an agent communicate with the principal?
Any information given to the agent must be communicated immediately to the principal