Scroll the the bottom of this webpage to click the button here for the Spanish EXPLANATION ONLY forms:
SCR Youtube has videos on these EXPLANATION ONLY forms.
https://www.youtube.com/@SCREALTORS/videos
Fair Housing laws and ethics include National Origin as a protected class so arguably real estate consumers who are not English language proficient can fall under fair housing.
Experts opine that a growing number of South Carolina real estate consumers are not English language proficient.
So risk management and future business profitability/success can be involved.
As part of this, the SCR Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Committee developed some initial Spanish language EXPLANATION ONLY forms in conjunction with a professional translation service.
The English language forms will be the legal agreement (e.g., blanks filled in, initials, dates, signatures).
Some additional risk management thoughts:
Have "in house" or available translators including law firms that can serve real estate consumers who are not English language proficient ready to go when you need them.
Refer real estate consumers who are not English language proficient to brokerages who are proficient in handling these real estate consumers (SCR600).
Internet translation products can assist in a pinch.
Never rely on the consumer’s minor child to translate legal forms.
Perhaps, the consumer has a trusted relative or friend or advisor to help?
The consumer will need a closing attorney anyway, so hire attorneys with the needed language capabilities.
Posted by: Byron King on 07/10/23 (This information is only accurate as of 07/10/23. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 07/10/23 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 information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.