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Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawMEDIUM

Leilani is a licensed real estate broker in Hawaii who operates her own brokerage. She receives a referral fee from an out-of-state mortgage lender for every client she sends to that lender. Under HRS Chapter 467 and applicable Hawaii law, which of the following statements is most accurate regarding this arrangement?

Correct Answer

A) The arrangement is permissible as long as Leilani discloses the referral fee to her clients in writing

Under HRS Chapter 467 and consistent with RESPA requirements applicable in Hawaii, a real estate broker may receive a referral fee from a mortgage lender provided that the fee is properly disclosed to the client. Undisclosed referral fees that create undisclosed conflicts of interest violate the broker's fiduciary and disclosure duties. Written disclosure to the client is the key requirement that makes such an arrangement permissible.

Answer Options
A
The arrangement is permissible as long as Leilani discloses the referral fee to her clients in writing
B
The arrangement is always prohibited because Hawaii brokers may not receive compensation from lenders under any circumstances
C
The arrangement is permissible without any disclosure because referral fees from lenders are considered normal business practice
D
The arrangement requires Leilani to obtain a separate mortgage broker license before accepting any referral fees from lenders

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

referral_feesdisclosure_dutiesbroker_compensationhrs_467fiduciary_duty

Related Concepts

License requirements are the mandatory qualifications—including pre-licensing education, examination, and background checks—that a person must satisfy before legally practicing real estate. These requirements are established and enforced by each state's real estate commission.

Market allocation is an illegal antitrust practice in which competing real estate brokerages agree to divide markets among themselves by geographic area, property type, or price range, thereby eliminating competition.

Price fixing is an illegal antitrust practice in which competing real estate brokerages agree to charge the same commission rates, fees, or other pricing for their services. It is a per se violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

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