
About Course
DC Ethics
This course fulfills 3 hours of Continuing Education credit in the District of Columbia. It satisfies the NAR triennial ethics requirement and provides DC-specific ethical guidelines required to practice real estate responsibly and professionally. Through an in-depth review of the Code of Ethics, real-life ethical dilemmas, and DC’s regulatory expectations, this course sharpens your ability to identify and resolve ethical challenges in your real estate career.
This is a live Zoom class. The class runs for 3 hours in length.
Recurring every Tuesday at 5:00 pm in August
Aug 13th, 20th, 27th
You should receive a Zoom link via email the day before the class. Make sure to check your spam folder. Please email us at AcademyPureBlackwood@Gmail.com if you do not receive it.
What Will You Learn?
- Welcome to DC Ethics! This three-hour course provides a careful review of the National Association of REALTORS®’ Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. This code outlines the ethical duties all REALTORS® agree to follow as part of the membership. NAR says these duties “provide a high level of service and professionalism to clients/customers and are the key factor separating REALTORS® from all other real estate practitioners.” We’ll discuss some real-life examples relating to various articles. Then, we move specifically into the District of Columbia—to review the local ethical requirements, of course.
- Objectives:
- - Recall how to apply the NAR Code of Ethics principles and guidelines to your practice.
- - Identify recent changes to the code’s articles and standards of practice.
- - Recall the rules and regulations promoting ethical practices DC.
Course Content
DC Ethics Unit 1: Course Introduction: DC Ethics
Introduction & Objectives
Welcome to DC Ethics! This three-hour course provides a careful review of the National Association of REALTORS®’ Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. This code outlines the ethical duties all REALTORS® agree to follow as part of the membership. NAR says these duties “provide a high level of service and professionalism to clients/customers and are the key factor separating REALTORS® from all other real estate practitioners.” We’ll discuss some real-life examples relating to various articles. Then, we move specifically into the District of Columbia—to review the local ethical requirements, of course.
Objectives
Recall how to apply the NAR Code of Ethics principles and guidelines to your practice.
Identify recent changes to the code’s articles and standards of practice.
Recall the rules and regulations promoting ethical practices DC.
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Welcome to Unit 2: Know the Code: Through Article 9
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What’s the Code of Ethics?
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The Code’s Structure
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Adopted in 1913
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Designed to Evolve to Meet the Needs of a Changing Culture
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Code Interpretations and Changes
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A New Edition of the Code
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A Framework for Ethical Behaviors Expected of REALTORS®
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Should Ray Abide by the Code?
Welcome to Unit 2: Know the Code: Through Article 9
Introduction & Objectives
The Code of Ethics defines the professionalism and service to be expected from a member of the National Association of REALTORS® in service to the public. In this unit, we’ll review Articles 1-9 of the Code of Ethics, as well as its structure.
Objectives
Recall the overall vision and goals of the Code of Ethics and how Articles 1-9 apply to the practice of real estate.
What's the Code of Ethics?
Wondering exactly what the Code of Ethics is? It’s a clear and concise set of ethical standards for real estate professionals, and it provides a key component that adds confidence and stability in an unstable marketplace.
The National Association of REALTORS® relies on its Code of Ethics to ensure that all REALTORS® are conducting business in an honest manner and with the highest degree of integrity. Based on the Golden Rule (“Do to others as you would have them do to you”), the Code of Ethics spells out the fundamental principles of an honest real estate practice. The code also outlines the behaviors and actions expected of REALTORS®.
As you integrate the code into your professional duties, you will benefit in many ways. By maintaining the best interests of your clients, your reputation will remain spotless, and hopefully clients will recommend their friends and family to you. Above all, incorporating the Golden Rule into your professional life is the right thing to do.
Lesson 2: Overview of the Current National Code of Ethics
Unit 2: Know the Code: Through Article 9
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Combines Broad Ethical Principles with Practical Guidelines
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Duties Owed to Clients and Customers
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Duties Owed to the Public
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Duties Owed to REALTORS®
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Danna’s Violation
Lesson 3: Part I of the Code: Duties to Clients and Customers
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Duties to Clients and Customers
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Article 1 in Real Life: What Would You Do?
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Doug’s Overpriced Property
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Article 1 in Real Life: What Would You Do? (Continued)
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Your Clients Come First
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Standard of Practice 1-2 Clarifies Key Terms
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Promoting Honesty and Full Disclosure
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Confidential Client Information
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Leslie’s Obligations
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An Additional Standard of Practice
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Article 1 Truths
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Net listing agreements are best avoided.
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If you believe your client’s property is overpriced, you should disclose this to your client only when asked.
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Informing buyers of pertinent and relevant facts that may affect their decision to purchase is optional.
Lesson 4: COE Article 2: Avoiding Exaggeration, Misrepresentation, and Concealment
What Would You Do?
Article 2 outlines the importance of avoiding exaggeration, misrepresentation, and concealment. Of course, sometimes it’s what you don’t know that can get you into trouble. Consider the following:
You’re a REALTOR® and a homebuilder. One afternoon, you show your latest newly constructed home to a potential buyer. The buyer really likes the home, but he notices some construction nearby. The buyer asks you what it is. You aren’t sure.
What should you tell the buyer?
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What’s Going on Over There?
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Article 2 in Real Life: What Would You Do?
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When in Doubt, Disclose It
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Disclosure Issues Related to Material Facts
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Proper and Timely Material Fact Disclosures
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What’s the Problem?
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Latent Material Facts
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Disclosure Facts
Lesson 5: COE Article 3: Cooperating with Other Brokers
Cooperating with Other Brokers
Article 3 emphasizes the importance of cooperating with other brokers in order to further your clients’ best interests. However, in some instances, cooperation isn’t what’s best for your client’s interests, and this is where things can get murky. Consider the following:
You accept a new listing and promptly post it on MLS. A few days later, you receive a full-price offer that’s contingent on the buyer selling his current home. Your seller is eager to sell and accepts the offer, but she asks you to keep marketing the property.
A week later, another REALTOR® requests to show the property to an out-of-town buyer. Do you disclose the existence of a previous offer?
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What Would You Do?
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Article 3 in Real Life
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Cooperation Is Good Business
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Recent Standard of Practice Updates
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Additional Standards of Practice
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Article 3 Facts
Lesson 6: COE Articles 4 through 7: Safeguarding Against Conflicts of Interest
Article 4 in Real Life: What Would You Do?
Articles 4 through 7 address the need to safeguard against conflicts of interest in order to best serve your clients and everyone else in a given transaction. Article 4, for instance, requires that you inform the involved parties of any personal interest you may have in a listed property. Not doing so can lead to trouble. Consider the following:
You list a property for seller Tom. Three offers come in, but all of the offers are below list price. You encourage Tom to take the highest offer, which he ultimately does. It turns out the highest offer is from your father-in-law.
Do you need to reveal this information to Tom?
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What Would You Do?
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Relations Revelations
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Conflict of Interest Situations
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Disclosure Is Key
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Some Areas Are Riskier than Others
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Article 6 Specifics
Lesson 7: COE Articles 8 and 9: Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
Article 8 in Real Life
Article 8 addresses the importance of maintaining special accounts to ensure accountability and transparency throughout each and every transaction. From time to time, though, ethical dilemmas are bound to pop up. Consider the following:
You’re a listing broker representing a client. You receive a signed offer to purchase and an earnest money deposit. The offer is contingent on the buyer selling her current home.
What do you do with the earnest money deposit?
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What Would You Do?
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Keep it Separated
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Special Accounts
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Commingling Funds
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Converting Funds
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Commingling or Conversion?
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Article 9: Transparency and Accountability
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Carson Avoids Disciplinary Action
Welcome to Unit 3: Know the Code: Articles 10-17
Introduction & Objectives
In this unit, we'll finish our exploration of the code's 17 articles and finish with a look at the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission.
Objectives
Recall Articles 9-17 and identify the role of the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission.
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Lesson 1: COE Article 10: Providing Equal Professional Services
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Article 10 in Real Life
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What Would You Do?
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Digging Deeper
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Equal Treatment
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Key Revisions
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Standard of Practice 10-1 and Scare Tactics
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Standard of Practice 10-2 and Data Sources
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Is This Okay?
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Don’t Discriminate in Ads
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Protected Groups
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Standard of Practice 10-5
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Lesson 2: COE Article 11: Conforming to Standards of Practice and Competence
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What Would You Do?
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Specialized Professional Service
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Be an Expert
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Amendments in 2014
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Competency
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Standard of Practice 11-1
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Lesson 3: COE Article 12: Remaining Honest and Truthful in Ads and Marketing
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What Would You Do?
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URLs and Domain Names
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Honest and Truthful Communications
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Standards of Practice
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Reggie’s Request
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Lesson 4: COE Article 13: Recommending Legal Counsel When Appropriate
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What Should You Do?
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Support Desires to Talk with an Attorney
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Leave the Law to Lawyers
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Translation Transgressions
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Lesson 5: COE Article 14: Cooperating with Professional Standards Investigations
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What Should You Do?
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Duty to Cooperate
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Not Optional
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Sally Ann’s Best Bet
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Lesson 6: COE Article 15: Making False Statements about Competitors
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Article 15 in Real Life
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What Should You Do?
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If You Can’t Say Something Nice …
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Resist Gossip
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Non-Constructive Criticism
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Debbie’s Blog Post
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Lesson 7: COE Article 16: Respecting Exclusive Representation Agreements
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What Should You Do?
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The Nature of a Listing Agreement
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The Fine Line Between Competition and Cooperation
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Cooperation
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Respecting Exclusivity
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What Can You Ask?
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Exclusive Relationships
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Misty’s Mailing
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Lesson 8: COE Article 17: Adhering to Mediation and Arbitration Policies
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Five Standards of Practice
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Article 17 in Real Life
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What Should You Do?
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Fair Solutions
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Practical Tips
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Mediation Determination
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Lesson 9: The DC Real Estate Commission
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Composition of the Commission
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Commission Meetings and Staff
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Commission Appointments
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Commission Composition
Unit 4: Code of Ethics for Brokers, Salespersons and Property Managers
Introduction & Objectives
The final adopted rule, Code of Ethics for Real Estate Brokers, Real Estate Salespersons and Property Managers, was effective February 26, 2016 and pertains to the District of Columbia. It has gone been amended since it was implemented and no doubt will continue to do so as deemed necessary to ensure that the public is protected and the real estate profession is upheld to the highest standards.
Objectives
Recall the scope of practice for real estate professionals.
Identify the required agency disclosures, forms, and contract clauses used in transactions.
Recall details about escrow accounts, reporting, advertising requirements, and prohibited acts.
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Scope of Practice
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Scope of Practice for a Broker
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Scope of Practice for a Salesperson
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Scope of Practice for a Property Manager
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What’s the Scope of Practice?
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Agency / Disclosures
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The Disclosure of Brokerage Relationship
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Client: Buyer Agency Disclosure
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Client: Designated Agency Disclosure
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Client: Seller Agency Disclosure
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Customer
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Home Inspections / Disclosure
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Agency Disclosure Facts
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Lesson 3: Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA)
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Single-Family Dwellings
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Multi-Family Property Processes
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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
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Applicable Properties and Notices
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TOPA Truths
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Required Forms in DC
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Listing Contracts
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Disclosure of Brokerage Relationship
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Disclosure of Dual Agency
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Property Conditions and Disclosures
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Seller’s Property Disclosures
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Sales Contracts
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Transaction Forms
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Lesson 5: Contracts in DC
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Duty to Compensate
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Duty to Present
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Home Inspection Report as Part of the Contract
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Contract Facts
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Ratification
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Common Contract Problems
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A Convoluted Contract
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Lesson 6: Escrow Accounts in DC
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Breaking Down Earnest Money
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Handling Earnest Money
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Deposit Deadline and Location
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Handling Things Right
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Illegal Escrow Fund Handling
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Legal Guidelines
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Interest Payment
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Broker Price Opinion
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Competitive Market Analysis
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Appraiser Independence
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Which Is Which?
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Advertising Requirements
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Communication Media
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Direct Supervision of Broker
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Display of Company and Broker Name
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Display of Company Phone Number
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Ad Facts
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Lesson 9: Acts Prohibited in DC
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Section 47-2853.197: Prohibited Acts
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More Prohibited Acts
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Even More Prohibited Acts
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And More …
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And Even More …
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Skirting Compliance
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Specific Chapter Violations
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The Finish Line
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Key Points: Code of Ethics for Brokers, Salespersons and Property Managers
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