Ethics
We have collected the most commonly asked legal hotline questions and answers covering a broad range of topics, and published them here.
Click here to view the 25 most common Virginia REALTORS® Legal Hotline Questions & Answers
Click on the category below to see legal hotline Q&A’s.
Advertising
Agency
Antitrust
Broker Supervision
Compensation and Commission
Contracts
Disclosure
Earnest Money Deposits (EMD)
Ethics
Fair Housing
Licensure
Property Condition Disclosures
Property Management
Property Owners Associations (POA)
Complete the Terms—Legal Case Study—April 2021
In this case, an agent failed to protect the public by hiring an unlicensed contractor, signing over a check to the contractor, and promising work would be complete by the deadline when no work had been performed. Make sure to check the status of any contractors, follow all regulations, and keep clients updated.
Article - April 2021
Confidentiality—Legal Podcast
Laura and Jon discuss the duty of confidentiality.
Podcast - March 23, 2021
Hot Market Issues—Legal Podcast
Laura and Jon discuss issues that can arise in hot markets that could land you in hot water.
Podcast - March 9, 2021
Forging Too Far Ahead—Legal Case Study—March 2021
In this case, a broker signed her clients’ name to multiple documents, exceeding the scope of her authority and engaging in fraudulent activity. Brokers need to ensure that they are acting within the scope of their agency.
Article - March 2021
Sanctions—Legal Podcast
Cate and Jon discuss the sanctions authorized in the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.
Podcast - February 22, 2021
Beyond the Scope—Legal Case Study—February 2021
In this case, a broker acted outside of the scope of his license and agency by representing a client in a real estate transaction under an entity that was not a licensed real estate firm in Virginia. It highlights the importance of operating within the scope of your license and firm when representing others in real estate transactions.
Article - February 2021
New Year, New You—Legal Podcast
Goodbye 2020! – It’s a new year and time for New Year’s resolutions. If you’re looking for ways to improve your professionalism game, check out these ideas.
Podcast - January 5, 2021
EMD – Contract Details—Legal Case Study—January 2021
This case examines an escrow case where the agent neglected to check certain boxes on the contract. While this does not void the contract, it does create an escrow violation for the real estate licensee. It highlights the importance of verifying the completeness of contracts and paying attention to details.
Article - January 2021
2021 Code of Ethics Changes—Legal Podcast
Laura and Jessica discuss the approved changes to the NAR Code of Ethics.
For more information: virginiarealtors.org/code-of-ethics-resources
Podcast - December 7, 2020