Advice for New Agents | The Other "L" Word in Real Estate: LEGAL

Preaching to the choir! It has to be done correctly and in writing. 

Carla, you can never be to careful in the society we live in. Everyone wants to sue everyone else. Great post to new agents!

Carla, this is such an important point.  And so many new agents are focused only on getting leads without knowing what to do with one when it does show up.  

Hi, Carla. 

      An instructor at our Board was going over the new Contracts and Forms recently.   Someone in the class brought up the term,  "Unauthorized Practice of Law". 
     The Instructor said, "Okay, technically that is correct... but don't kid yourselves, fellow Agents... we 'practice law' all day every day.  You had better know what these forms say and what these forms mean!"

Carla- this one cannot be said enough.  You are not just responsible for showing houses!  You have to know your contracts and what legal ramifications there are.  

Not only read their contracts, but to verify what other professionals might be telling them is true, because they may be wrong. I agree, we have a responsibility for our clients.

And all this, Carla, without ever looking like we are practicing law, which of course, is a big "no-no." But knowing whats in contracts and being able to explain that in plain language to clients is critical--without it, it's too easy to lose one's credibility and get into some really hot legal waters.

Some of the common mistakes the newbie do is sign on behalve of buyers/sellers. It is not improper but illegal.

Sam Shueh

Congratulations on the feature....too often that shiny new license has the "L" word Lucky attached...ahhh the key to instant riches and legal "L" forgotten !

Good morning Carla. A well  deserved feature. You share wonderful words of wisdom and hopefully your words are take to heart.

One of the many tools Carla Muss-Jacobs, Principal Broker/Owner has in her little toolbox...Now, we do too

Carla Muss-Jacobs, Principal Broker/Owner Good advice for both new and seasoned agents. We need to understand the blanks we are filling in on an agreement.

Remember our real estate training to get into the business.  It was almost all law. Sadly, most of it wasn't relevant - your points are.

That's exactly why I comb through every page of every contract any of my agents turns in to me and if I find anything questionable I explain to them why it's wrong and what needs to be done to correct it. There is no room for grey areas when it comes to legally binding contracts. 

Carla, great advice for the newbies and those who've been around for a while. It seems that I come across long time agents who don't feel the necessity to complete a contract properly and let their egos get in the way.

Carla, Far too many real estate agents do not understand the contracts, or agency, or … okay … don’t get me started.  Heck I do not profess to know everything. I am always learning new things in this business … as it should be … right?

Carla Muss-Jacobs, Principal Broker/Owner ,

Congrats on well deserved feature. Legal should be top of minset. Always practice License protectus

Carla Muss-Jacobs, Principal Broker/Owner well said!

Everything should be in writing and everything should be done 'Legally'! And that's one 'L'esson they should never forget!

(And we stop at the first 'L' word - and teach them 'Location Location Location'!)

Great advice Carla Muss-Jacobs, Principal Broker/Owner! Even the gifts and cards we mail out/give should be well thought out and planned not to offend anyone and not against "Fair Housing Laws".

Great article Carla. After almost thirty years in the business, I still read and re-read the legal documents!