Legal FAQs

HOA Collecting Dog DNA HOA snoop dog DNA to catch owners who do not scoop dog waste. http://www.news4jax.com/news/fight-over-dna-testing-dog-feces-continues/22924154 Posted by : Byron King

Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarms in SC Building Code Now Fossil fueled equipment can increase risk of occupant death from deadly carbon monoxide gas if not venting and operating properly. Some examples of fossil fueled equipment: HVAC, water heater, pool heater, vehicle/generator running in a garage, kitchen stove/oven. http://www.collinsandlacy.com/updated-south-carolina-building-and-fire-codes-include-carbon-monoxide-alarm-requirements-aimed-at-protecting-against-the-silent-killer/ Posted by : Byron King

Lawsuit Risk: Agency, Delayed MLS Entry Interesting editorial discussing lawsuit risks of agency and delayed MLS entry. http://realuoso.com/editorials/dangers-pre-mls-pocket-listings-listing-clubs-mls-listings/

NAR on Marketing Agreement Risks Tune in to the SCR webinar on market agreements on May 20th to learn how to legally have marketing agreements and avoid the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from prosecuting and fining you under federal RESPA laws. Here is NAR article on risks of the new federal Consumer Financial Protection… Continue Reading Marketing Agreements

Ghosts and Meth Buyer agents should always recommend that buyers obtain every type of inspection available including environmental issues (e.g. contamination, hazmats, lead, meth production residue, mold, radon, pollution, groundwater). Buyers may then choose the inspections that fit their needs and wallets. Regarding clandestine methamphetamine laboratories (cooking meth, Breaking Bad), there are numerous issues to… Continue Reading Ghosts and Meth

Parties Check Sex Offender Registry, Not REALTORS SCR forms alert buyers and sellers about the sex offender registry and put the responsibility on the parties to check the sex offender registry if they want this information. NAR reports an Arizona court ruled that a dual agency brokerage was not liable for failing to disclose that… Continue Reading Sex Offender Registry

Let People Know They Under Surveillance: Videotaping/Recording Security and technology are good friends to owners and REALTORS. The South Carolina Association offices are protected by alarm systems and video cameras. Signs are posted the videotaping is occurring as a deterrent to crime. Buyer agents should educate buyers that sellers may have security systems on premises… Continue Reading Surveillance

Listing Brokerages Keep MLS Compensation Updated ASAP Listing brokerages should keep MLS offered compensation updated ASAP. Listing brokerages should not try to change MLS offered compensation once an offer is submitted. Listing brokerages should ensure their listing agreements cover compensation. Bonuses, boats, cars, trips, etc. - listing brokerage should have law firm escrow these "seller… Continue Reading Keep MLS Compensation Correct/Updated

How Do You Pronounce REALTOR? http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2014/04/07/realtor-lands-list-among-most-mispronounced-words

Photographs and Listing Content People own the rights to their own images (face) and images of their real estate (home). Some real estate imaging is in the public domain. Example: The White House and it can be used freely. Private homes cannot be freely used in photographs without permission. REALTORS/brokerages create copyrighted and owned intellectual… Continue Reading Photos