Ethics

Not Licensed to Sell #2—Legal Case Study—December 2018

2018-12 - VAR Legal Team

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.

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“Coming Soon” and Pocket Listings—Legal Podcast

This week, the Virginia REALTORS® legal team discusses the differences between properties that are “coming soon” and pocket listings. Jon and Laura talk about how to protect yourself as a listing agent if your clients want to use one of these two options, and the risky nature of pocket listings. Finally, they share tips that can help you limit your risk and answer some Legal Hotline questions.

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License Status Disclosure—Legal Podcast

This week, the Virginia REALTORS® legal team talks about the disclosures you must make when you as a licensee are buying or selling a home. Cate and Erin discuss the requirements from both the Virginia Real Estate Board and the Code of Ethics. They also answer some legal hotline questions, including what to do if you’re a licensee in Virginia but are selling a property in another state.

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Code of Ethics—Legal Podcast

This week, the Virginia REALTORS® legal team discusses Article 1 of the Code of Ethics. Jon and Austin discuss the various standards of practice within Article 1, and how they govern your interactions with both your client and other parties to a transaction. They then answer some legal hotline questions and tell you how to limit your risk when it comes to the Code of Ethics.

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Harrassment in the Workplace—Legal Podcast

This episode of Caveat REALTOR®, addresses harassment in the workplace; a topic that has been dominating news stories over the past few weeks. Cate and Jon discuss broker liability for harassment in the office, how to prevent harassment in the workplace, and what policies brokers should have in place. They answer some legal hotline questions, such as “My agents are all independent contractors. Can I make them adhere to an anti-harassment policy?” Finally, Cate and Jon review how brokers can limit their liability and create a safe work space for their employees and independent contractors.

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Pathways to Professionalism—Legal Podcast

On this episode of Caveat REALTOR®, Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team discusses going above and beyond the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Cate and Laura discuss the Pathways to Professionalism, which addresses issues of courtesy or etiquette. They answer some legal hotline questions, such as “If I follow the Pathways to Professionalism, will I ever be in violation of the Code of Ethics?” Finally, Cate and Laura discuss how adhering to the Pathways to Professionalism may limit your risk of an ethics violation.

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