How many times has a buyer or seller asked you a question that was legally outside of your field of expertise?
More importantly, how many times did you answer one of those questions without thinking about the liability?
Always Avoid the Unauthorized Practice of Law
As an agent, you’ve been schooled in real estate law, but that 
schooling is for your own protection, so you’ll know enough to stay out of risky situations. For instance, you learned that you have to disclose your own interest in a property, and you learned the rules for record-keeping and handling client earnest money. You learned about fiduciary duty and truthfulness in advertising.
Depending upon your State laws, you learned that it’s your duty to disclose any material facts about a house to a buyer, and you learned that making that disclosure just might cause a conflict between you and the seller.
If your instructor liked to tell stories, you probably also learned about many things that both agents and clients do / have done that landed them in the middle of lawsuits.
You aren’t a lawyer and you aren’t licensed to advise clients about the legality or illegality of their actions.
The best thing you can do when asked a question whose answer 
could lead to a lawsuit is say “I am not licensed to give that kind of advice, but I do think it could have legal consequences, so I suggest you ask an attorney.”
Even a conversation in which you and a client are just “kicking ideas around” could lead to the client acting on something you said and later blaming you for the consequences.
You hopefully know that giving legal advice violates the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. It also violates State Laws.
The penalty for the unauthorized practice of law varies from state to state, and could result in a fine, a suspension, or a complete revocation of your license.
The definition of Unauthorized Practice of Law also varies from state to state, and it’s in your best interests to know the definition in your state.
Take the time to read your State Statutes and make sure you are in compliance.
In all states, you are authorized to “fill in the blanks” on your state approved form, and in many, that is ALL you are authorized to do. You aren’t authorized to change those forms in any way.
In some states it is illegal for an agent to draft an addendum to a contract. In some it is illegal to draft a contingency clause. In most, it is illegal to fill out purchase and sale agreements for a fee. Completing these forms can be done only when incidental to a sale.
In many states the forms are long and complicated, so buyers and sellers can become confused about the meaning of various provisions. When that happens, you should not try to give explanations, but should refer them to an attorney to ask their questions.
I know, when you know the answer you want to give it, but play it safe. Don’t.
Thinking of filling in the blanks… I haven’t seen a legal opinion on it, but failing to fill out all the blanks on a form can also get you or your clients in trouble. Just think of the possibilities if someone else takes it upon themselves to fill in that blank after your client has signed the agreement.
What else must you NOT do?
- 1031 Exchanges. While you can and should help your
clients sell existing properties and locate replacement properties for a 1031 Exchange, you must not act as a Facilitator or Qualified Intermediary for your clients. - Give tax advice. If a client comes to you with an interest in doing a 1031 exchange, you can read him or her the general rules – such as the number of days that can pass between the sale and the new purchase. Beyond that, you must direct the client to a Facilitator to get the rules and the specific timeline that must be adhered to.
If a client asks you whether a property will qualify for certain deductions or special tax treatment, you must advise asking his or her tax account or contacting a Certified Public Accountant. - Give construction advice. You may have a good feel for what can and can’t be done to alter a house. You may have the expertise to do it yourself, and you may even have a good idea of the cost. But instead of definitively saying “You can…” advise your clients to get a quote from a licensed contractor.
- Do Home Inspections.If you’re a licensed inspector you can certainly do inspections, but don’t do them for your own buyers or sellers.
Giving Legal or Tax advice could cost you your license.
Giving construction or inspection advice could put you in the middle of an expensive lawsuit.
So – just don’t do it!
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“Obedience of the law is demanded; not asked as a favor.”
Theodore Roosevelt
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“There is a higher law than the law of government. That’s the law of conscience.”
Stokely Carmichael
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Stay current with the laws that apply to you.
In addition to reading and studying your State Statutes, remain current with changes in the law by paying careful attention to Continuing Education classes and bulletins that come from the Real Estate Commission.
You already know that you must never answer a question or say anything that violates the Fair Housing or Americans With Disabilities regulations, but there are plenty of other ways to get yourself in trouble, so pay attention.
If your state issues quarterly newsletters listing agent violations, read them. See what other agents have done to get themselves in trouble, so you can avoid the same mistakes.
I recall years ago when one of our most popular real estate instructors was embarrassed by his appearance in that section of the newsletter. It seems he had allowed an unlicensed employee to act as an agent on his behalf.
He taught a class on real estate law. So if anyone knew better, he did. But…
Even experts can make mistakes, so be careful. Know and follow the laws that apply to you as a licensed real estate professional.
Textbook Image courtesy of pannawat at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Other Images courtesy of Morguefile.com.
