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Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawHARD

Agent Rivera, a Connecticut licensed salesperson, receives a referral fee from an out-of-state mortgage company for referring her buyer client to that company for financing. Rivera does not disclose this arrangement to her client. Under Connecticut law, which of the following best describes the legal issue with Rivera's actions?

Correct Answer

B) Rivera's actions may violate both CGS Chapter 392 and CUTPA by creating an undisclosed conflict of interest that constitutes a deceptive practice

Rivera's undisclosed receipt of a referral fee from a mortgage company while representing a buyer client creates a conflict of interest that she has a fiduciary and statutory duty to disclose. Under CGS Chapter 392, licensees must act in the best interest of their clients and make full disclosure of any material conflicts. Additionally, the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA, CGS § 42-110a et seq.) prohibits deceptive acts and practices in commerce, and failing to disclose a financial arrangement that could influence professional recommendations to a client can constitute a deceptive practice under CUTPA, exposing Rivera to civil liability and license discipline.

Answer Options
A
Rivera's actions are permissible because referral fees from mortgage companies are not regulated under CGS Chapter 392
B
Rivera's actions may violate both CGS Chapter 392 and CUTPA by creating an undisclosed conflict of interest that constitutes a deceptive practice
C
Rivera's actions are only a federal RESPA violation and are outside the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Real Estate Commission
D
Rivera's actions are permissible as long as the referral fee does not exceed 1% of the loan amount

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

cutpareferral_feeconflict_of_interestdisclosurefiduciary_dutyct_license_law

Related Concepts

A tie-in arrangement is an illegal antitrust practice in which a seller conditions the purchase of one product or service on the buyer's agreement to purchase a separate product or service.

A trust account, also called an escrow account, is a separate bank account maintained by a broker to hold funds belonging to others, such as earnest money deposits, security deposits, or other client funds.

Advertising regulations govern how real estate licensees may market properties and services, requiring truthful, non-deceptive advertising that includes proper identification of the brokerage.

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