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Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawHARD

Massachusetts salesperson Derek is found by the Board to have violated 254 CMR 3.00 by failing to provide the mandatory written agency disclosure form at the first personal meeting with a prospective buyer. Derek argues that he provided a verbal explanation of agency relationships at the meeting and that the buyer signed a buyer agency agreement two days later. How would the Board most likely rule on Derek's defense?

Correct Answer

D) Derek's defense is insufficient because 254 CMR 3.00 requires a written disclosure at the first personal meeting, and a later signed agreement does not cure the failure to provide timely written disclosure

Under 254 CMR 3.00, the mandatory agency disclosure must be provided in writing at the first personal meeting to discuss a specific property. The requirement is both timing-specific (first personal meeting) and format-specific (written). A verbal explanation does not satisfy the written requirement, and a buyer agency agreement signed two days later does not retroactively cure the failure to provide timely written disclosure. The violation occurred at the moment of the first meeting.

Answer Options
A
Derek's defense is valid because a verbal explanation of agency relationships satisfies the disclosure requirement under 254 CMR 3.00
B
Derek's defense is valid because the Board only disciplines licensees for agency disclosure failures that result in actual financial harm to the consumer
C
Derek's defense is valid because the buyer ultimately signed a buyer agency agreement, demonstrating the buyer understood the agency relationship
D
Derek's defense is insufficient because 254 CMR 3.00 requires a written disclosure at the first personal meeting, and a later signed agreement does not cure the failure to provide timely written disclosure

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

agency_disclosure254_cmr_3written_disclosuretiming_requirement

Related Concepts

Antitrust violations in real estate occur when competing brokerages or agents engage in practices that restrain trade, reduce competition, or harm consumers through collusion. These violations are governed by the Sherman Antitrust Act and can result in severe penalties.

Broker supervision is the legal obligation of a designated or managing broker to oversee and be accountable for the real estate activities of all salespersons and associate brokers operating under their license.

Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds, while conversion is the unauthorized use of client funds for the broker's own benefit. Both are serious violations that can result in license revocation.

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