Legal FAQs

NAR has online free hours and CE hours. https://www.nar.realtor/about-nar/governing-documents/code-of-ethics/code-of-ethics-training NAR's Board of Directors approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement, extending it from every two years to every three years. This extends the current cycle deadline from March 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024. REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of… Continue Reading 2.5 Hours Ethics By December 31, 2024 for All Members

Currently, NAR reports that NAR in the process of working on a TCPA update Window to the Law to be released in the near future. In the meantime, here is some practical guidance for members that comes to mind: Brokerages should consider adopting a TCPA/Do-Not-Call Registry policy and train their salespersons and staff on the… Continue Reading NAR Window to the Law on TCPA

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?search=DOC&searchtext=4754&category=LEGISLATION&session=125&conid=37998232&result_pos=0&keyval=1254754&numrows=10 Posted by: Byron King on 02/05/24 (This information is only accurate as of 02/05/24. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 02/05/24 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org) This information is not legal advice. This… Continue Reading License Law Bill

Be careful! Homeowners get upset about getting marketing calls, especially robocalls and that can lead to complaints being filed. Brokerages should have policies and lawyer risk management and brokerage do not call registry for when your agents are told to never call. Ensure your defense trial lawyers look at your agreements with lead generation services… Continue Reading Risk Management: Marketing Calls, Texts, Emails, Robocalls, Robotexts, Lead Generation Services

2024 Homeowners Association Complaint Report Released   COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is releasing the 2024 Homeowners Association (HOA) Complaint Report. The Report is a compilation of data from complaints received January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. Some of the highlights include: The 2024 report contains information from… Continue Reading HOA Complaint Report from SC Govt

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t48c001.php SECTION 48-1-90. Causing or permitting pollution of environment prohibited; remedies. (A)(1) It is unlawful for a person, directly or indirectly, to throw, drain, run, allow to seep, or otherwise discharge into the environment of the State organic or inorganic matter, including sewage, industrial wastes, and other wastes, except in compliance with a permit issued… Continue Reading SC Pollution Control Act

1. Forms 2. Other 3. Compensation 4. License law 5. Professionalism (ethics, arbitration, complaints, mediation) 6. Due diligence 7. Advertising 8. Broker in Charge BIC and office management 9. Earnest money 10.Agency Thanks to Shantee Albin CSR for the SCR legal hotline. Thanks to Alan Leichtle CFO/COO for the SCR & SCR legal hotline Zoho… Continue Reading Top Ten Hotlines December 2023

https://www.nar.realtor/videos/window-to-the-law/independent-contractor-status-update Use an independent contractor agreement. https://screaltors.org/wp-content/uploads/Forms/501.pdf Have lawyer drafted compensation agreements and separation agreements. Let independent contractors set their own work schedule (e.g., no required desk time) and provide their own work tools (e.g., car, phone, computer). Never refer to independent contractors as employees. The less brokerage control over the independent contractor while in… Continue Reading NAR Independent Contractor Status

SCR assisted a 6% assessment ratio taxpayer argue that they can file for their ATI discount at any time prior to the county reassessing all properties. The administrative deadline is before January 31 each year. SCR assisted the taxpayer's win in the SC Court of Appeals with a friend of the court brief filed. Recently,… Continue Reading Legal Advocacy Win

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/loandepot-says-ransomware-gang-stole-data-of-166-million-people/ Posted by: Byron King on 01/22/24 (This information is only accurate as of 01/22/24. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 01/22/24 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org) This information is not legal advice. This… Continue Reading Data Privacy/Security News – Stay Tuned for the Jan 24 SCR Legal Podcast