This case highlights not only the importance of adhering to the Board’s regulations through actions such as depositing the earnest money deposit in a timely manner and notifying all parties of material changes to the transaction, but also the importance of paying attention to detail and keeping up to date on your broker’s policies and the status of the transaction.

This case highlights the importance of accurately representing the status of the Earnest Money Deposit when holding escrow for a transaction. In addition, it shows the importance of honesty throughout a Board investigation.

Escrow violations are some of the most common violations that come before the Virginia Real Estate Board. This case demonstrates the importance of adhering to the terms of the real estate contract and making timely deposits of the Earnest Money Deposit as required by the contract.

This case study highlights the importance of engaging in that interactive process when a tenant requests an accommodation that the housing provider is unable to accommodate.

This case study highlights the importance of accuracy in your real estate advertisements. When real estate licensees and brokers think about accuracy we usually hear about the importance of accurately describing the property or facts related to the transaction. This Virginia Real Estate Board case illustrates the importance of accurately identifying your role in the transaction.

Mary Well became a real estate sales person in Virginia in 1999. She also was licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Since May of 2014, Ms. Well has been affiliated with nine real estate firms. On December 17, 2016, Ms. Well drafted an Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer Agreement with Mr. Do to purchase a house in the Falls Church, Virginia area. The agreement listed Ms. Well as the Buyer’s Agent, and Wise Real Estate Company, LLC as the broker.

On July 16, 2016, in the United State District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, Mr. Maude was convicted of two felonies, Aggravated Identify Theft and Aiding and Assisting in Preparation of False Return. The felonies pertained to his conduct between 2011 and 2014 when he was engaged in tax preparation services. Mr. Maude modified his clients’ tax returns to include false information and artificially inflate their income tax refunds. He then took a portion of each income tax refund and used it for his own benefit. Mr. Maude pleaded guilty and signed a plea agreement where he was sentenced to fourteen months in prison on each charge to run concurrently. He was also ordered to serve one year of probation upon his release.