Questions and Answers
What will an investigation of the complaint most likely determine regarding Sal's referral fee to Betty?
Which of the following best describes the practice of dual agency in Florida?
Which statement correctly describes Ben's situation regarding the verbal offer?
What can the licensee infer from the conversation with the buyer's broker?
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Which of the following statements is correct regarding the broker's agreement to rebate commission?
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Which of the following statements is correct regarding the agent's disclosure to the buyer?
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Regarding single agency, which of the following statements is most correct?
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Which brokerage relationship status includes a full fiduciary relationship?
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What best describes the situation where a sales associate agreed to kick back part of her commission to the buyer?
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Who owes fiduciary duties in a single agency relationship?
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All of the following activities are exempt from the requirement to provide disclosures under the Brokerage Relationship Disclosure Act, EXCEPT:
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As an agent, a broker is employed by and acts on behalf of whom?
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In which of the following situations does a general agency relationship exist?
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Broker Joan just received an oral offer to purchase a listed property. No earnest money accompanied the oral offer. Which of the following statements is correct?
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Which of the following statements best describes a transaction broker?
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An agent failed to advise a principal regarding the value of the owner's property prior to accepting a listing. Which fiduciary duty did the agent breach?
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Broker Tom sold a property which was listed with broker Alice. Tom was unable to attend the closing, so Alice collected the entire commission. Alice refused to pay Tom his share of the commission. What could Alice be charged with?
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Mary, an Ohio broker, accompanied a customer to Florida and met with broker Stan. While Stan showed the customer property and obtained a binding contract for purchase, Mary went to the beach. Upon return, she discovered Stan demanded a share of the commission. Which statement is correct?
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What is an agent required to do in an agency relationship?
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When can an agent disclose confidential or harmful information about a principal?
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Each of the following is contained in the definition of a residential transaction, EXCEPT:
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When can both parties in a transaction pay a broker a commission?
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All of the following provide control of agency relationships in real estate, EXCEPT:
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Which of the following statements best describes policy and procedure manuals?
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A broker has appointed two sales associates to act as agents in a nonresidential transaction, one for the seller and one for the buyer. Which statement is correct?
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Each of the following relationships is adversarial, EXCEPT:
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Fairness and honesty are required of all licensees in which brokerage relationship?
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According to the Brokerage Relationship Disclosure Act, which is the only brokerage relationship form that must be signed or initialed?
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Which of the following statements is correct regarding a broker's authority to act on behalf of the principal?
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In many brokerage relationship situations, the broker gives permission for the sales associate to work directly with a principal. Which of the following is true in this situation?
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In regards to agency relationships, which statement is most correct?
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Study Notes
Agency Relationships
- Fiduciary duties exist in single agency relationships, where the broker acts on behalf of the principal (buyer/seller).
- Brokers must present all offers, regardless of earnest money deposits, to uphold their duty.
- A broker is employed and acts on behalf of the principal in all agency relationships.
Types of Agency Relationships
- General agency occurs when a sales associate is employed by a broker, enabling ongoing authority within a specific trade.
- Transaction brokers provide limited representation without fiduciary duties to either party in a transaction.
- Designated sales associates can represent both parties in a nonresidential transaction, provided certain conditions are met.
Disclosure Requirements
- The Brokerage Relationship Disclosure Act mandates written disclosures in specific agency relationships; exceptions apply in certain situations.
- Confidentiality of the principal's harmful information must be maintained by the agent throughout the relationship and beyond.
Commission and Compensation
- Brokers involved in a transaction can agree to a commission split but must have explicit permission from both parties.
- A broker can receive dual commissions only if both parties consent to the terms.
Responsibilities and Ethics
- Licensees must operate with fairness and honesty in all transactions, regardless of the agency relationship established.
- Failure to disclose known facts impacting property value is a breach of the fiduciary duty of disclosure.
Legal Framework
- Florida statutes, including F.S. 475, govern agency relationships and enforce ethical conduct for real estate professionals.
- Agency law derives from common law, influencing broker and agent behavior in real estate transactions.
Special Situations
- Agents may only disclose confidential information under specific legal guidelines, typically remaining confidential indefinitely.
- Relationship dynamics like arm's length (adversarial) and fiduciary relationships (trust-based) have distinct legal implications.
Case Studies and Examples
- An Ohio broker visiting Florida can receive referral fees if they do not engage in the transaction directly.
- Dual agency is not permitted according to Florida Statute 475, and any illicit conduct may result in disciplinary action.
Manuals and Procedures
- Policy and procedure manuals, while not legally required, are essential for maintaining order and minimizing disputes within real estate offices.### Dual Agency and Brokerage Relationships
- Florida law presumes dual agency unless another relationship is established.
- Brokers can represent either sellers or buyers, and dual agency without clear consent is illegal.
Presenting Offers
- Brokers must present any and all offers received, including oral ones, to the seller.
- Failure to present an offer may be considered concealment or breach of trust.
Single Agency Relationship
- A single agent represents either the buyer or seller, establishing a fiduciary relationship in a transaction.
- The calling broker represents the buyer, indicating a single agency relationship.
Commission Rebates
- Brokers may legally offer rebates if all parties are informed and consent to the arrangement.
- RESPA ensures fees related to real estate settlements are disclosed and have legitimate services backing them.
Nonrepresentation and Confidentiality
- An agent has an obligation to deal honestly in nonrepresentation scenarios.
- When disclosing personal seller circumstances, agents must consider the implications of confidentiality.
Illegality of Dual Agency Representation
- Licensees cannot legally represent both a buyer and seller in the same transaction.
- Attempting to do so creates an illegal dual agency scenario.
Fiduciary Relationships
- Only single agency relationships provide a full fiduciary relationship between broker and client.
- Fiduciary duties arise from law, not merely contractual agreements.
Kickbacks and Legal Arrangements
- Kickback arrangements are acceptable if all involved parties are informed and consent is obtained.
- Specific criteria must be met to remain compliant with RESPA regulations regarding kickbacks.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential elements of agency relationships in real estate, including fiduciary duties, types of agency relationships, and disclosure requirements. Understand the roles of brokers, agents, and principals to succeed in real estate transactions.