Caveat REALTOR®

Latest Episodes:

Caveat REALTOR®: Fair Housing Compliance Jan 16, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of Caveat REALTOR®, Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team discusses the Fair Housing Act. Jon and Cate explore how to create an interactive process with tenants who request accommodations, what you can and cannot ask about during the tenant selection process, and what constitutes a disability under federal law. They answer some legal hotline questions, such as "My complex does not assign parking spots to residents. Instead, it’s always first come, first served. A tenant has a mobility impairment that severely limits her ability to walk and requested an assigned parking place as close to her unit as possible. Do I have to do that?" Finally, Cate and Jon discuss how you can limit your risk when engaging in this interactive process with tenants who request accommodations.

Caveat REALTOR®: Cryptocurrencies and Real Estate Jan 09, 2018

Show notes

On this episode of Caveat REALTOR®, Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team discusses cryptocurrencies and how they work in real estate transactions. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have been leading news stories, especially as the valuation of these currencies have been rising and have become more widely accepted by businesses. Laura and Austin answer some legal hotline questions, such as "A client wants to pay my commission using a cryptocurrency, do I need to accept?" Finally, they review how brokers and agents can best serve their clients and limit their risk when working on transactions involving cryptocurrencies.

Caveat REALTOR®: January 2018 Forms Update Jan 02, 2018

Show notes

Happy New Year! In this New Year’s episode of Caveat REALTOR®, Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team discusses the January 2018 updates to the Virginia REALTORS® Standard Forms. All members of Virginia REALTORS® have access to our library of Standard Forms. Erin and Laura identify the deleted forms, discuss which forms were updated, and introduce one new form – the Termination of Property Management Agreement. To conclude, they review how brokers and agents can limit their risk by using Standard Forms, and understanding the language in those forms.

Caveat REALTOR®: Standard Clause Booklet Dec 26, 2017

Show notes

On this holiday episode of Caveat REALTOR®, Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team discusses the Standard Clause Booklet. While Santa Claus visited many this holiday season, the Standard Clause booklet is available all year to members of Virginia REALTORS®. Laura and Cate discuss what the Standard Clause Booklet is, how members of Virginia REALTORS® can use it, and where it is located. Finally, they review how brokers and agents can limit their risk by using the Standard Clause Booklet, requesting help through the Legal Hotline, and always using an attorney to draft new language in contracts.

Caveat REALTOR®: When the Levee Breaks Dec 19, 2017

Show notes

On this episode of Caveat REALTOR®, Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team discusses flood insurance. It is a topic that has taken on greater importance for homeowners and, consequently, REALTORS® in recent years. Laura and Jon answer some legal hotline questions, such as “My client is selling a property that requires flood insurance because it floods every five years or so. The last flood damaged the subfloor and he never got around to getting it fixed. Because the damage is related to flooding, he doesn’t have to disclose to the buyer, right?” Finally, they review how brokers and agents can limit their liability when discussing flood insurance with their clients.

Caveat REALTOR®: Harassment in the Workplace Dec 12, 2017

Show notes

On this episode of Caveat REALTOR®, Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team discusses 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.

Caveat REALTOR®: Tenant Selection Criteria Dec 05, 2017

Show notes

On this episode of Caveat REALTOR®, Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team looks at property management and discusses tenant selection criteria. Cate and Erin discuss some best practices in establishing tenant selection criteria and review Fair Housing laws. They answer some legal hotline questions, such as “As one of my tenant selection criteria, can I refuse to rent to college students?” Finally, Cate and Erin review how you can limit your risk when establishing your tenant selection criteria.

Caveat REALTOR®: Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Nov 28, 2017

Show notes

Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team discusses the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA. Cate and Laura review the main provisions of RESPA, and discuss how it is applicable to brokers and real estate licensees. They answer some legal hotline questions, such as “I am going to host an open house for other agents. A local title company wants to reimburse me for the cost of food but does not want to do any marketing at the event. Would this be okay because I am not promoting the title company?” Finally, Cate and Laura review some ways to limit your risk to ensure that you do not violate any provisions of RESPA.

Caveat REALTOR®: REALTORS® Give Back Nov 21, 2017

Show notes

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Caveat REALTOR®, Virginia REALTORS®’s legal team discusses REALTORS® and charitable giving. Erin and Laura discuss the benefits and some risks associated with advertising your charitable donations as part of your business or tying them to real estate transactions. They answer some legal hotline questions, such as “Can I require my agents to partake in volunteer activities or to donate a certain percentage of their commissions to charity?” Finally, Erin and Laura encourage you to consider donating on this Giving Tuesday to a cause that is important to you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Caveat REALTOR®: Pathways to Professionalism Nov 13, 2017

Show notes

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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