Legal FAQs

NAR Pathways to Professionalism https://www.nar.realtor/code-of-ethics-and-arbitration-manual/pathways-to-professionalism These Professional courtesies are intended to be used by REALTORS® on a voluntary basis, and cannot form the basis for a professional standards complaint. Respect for the Public Follow the "Golden Rule”: Do unto other as you would have them do unto you. Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for… Continue Reading Be Professional. Be a Professional. Act like a Professional. Dress like a Professional. Talk like a Professional.

Under NAR ethics article 13, REALTORS® have a duty to recommend parties obtain legal counsel when their interests require. Unauthorized practice of law in SC is a felony crime. Real estate closings in SC are the practice of law in SC. For risk management reasons, it is risk management safest to use lawyer approved real… Continue Reading SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service and Legal Aid

https://realtybiznews.com/housing-discrimination-disability-assistance-animal/98754944/ Posted by: Byron King on 07/19/19 (This information is only accurate as of 07/19/19. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 07/19/19 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org)

When interacting with people of diminished mental capacity, consider alerting friends and relatives and SC DSS and law enforcement. Lack of mental capacity can prevent adults from entering enforceable contracts, leases. Many of these persons are functioning and non-violent and non-criminal, just you hear them make odd statements or see them doing odd things. The… Continue Reading Vulnerable Adults, Call DSS and Law Enforcement

Many properties use various types of gas for a variety of purposes (e.g. cooking, heating, water heating, bbq, propane, natural gas, LPG, methane, biogas, fuel oil). Owners should use due diligence with these flammable useful and dangerous gases. Err on the side of caution with gases. Be especially careful when the property will be unoccupied… Continue Reading Gas Explodes House, Detectors, Alarms, Shutoff, Diligence

https://myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/understandingCoverage/Guides/documents/NaturalDisaster.pdf Posted by: Byron King on 07/11/19 (This information is only accurate as of 07/11/19. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 07/11/19 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org)

A SC new state law gives some guidance but this law is new and there may be future challenges to the law so always call the hotline and always recommend the landlord hire a law firm if the landlord or you want to prevent the animal. Always beware asking additional questions about the disability and… Continue Reading 2019 SC General Assembly Helps with Service Animals and Support Animals in Housing

SCR is supporting a commercial taxpayer lawsuit against the government which denied the commercial property tax valuation discount to a taxpayer based on the government's interpretation of the statute which the taxpayer's lawyers disagree was correct. (e.g. Nick's law, 25% discount). Commercial buyers who are in the same situation should obtain legal counsel asap and… Continue Reading Commercial Buyers Should Consider Filing a Protective Claim ASAP

REALTOR® Safety. Trust that where there is smoke, there is likely fire. Red flags should raise suspicions and due diligence on people. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Create a rapport with local officials to get action on suspicious activity reports. https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2019/06/10/cops-agent-nab-fake-buyer-in-million-dollar-transaction?AdobeAnalytics= Posted by: Byron King on 06/10/19 (This information is only accurate as of… Continue Reading Louisiana Brokerage Calls Cops on a Cash Buyer with Suspicious Asset Documentation

Always get proper photo/video ownership rights or licensing rights in writing from your associated licensees, professional photographers, photographers, image owners. Never use photos/videos obtained online or from MLS listings or advertising without obtaining proper ownership rights or licensing rights in writing from the owner/licensee of the photographs or imaged. If in doubt, do not use… Continue Reading NAR on Protecting Yourself from Intellectual Property, Photograph, Video, Copyright online