EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawHARD

A Montana real estate salesperson, without her broker's knowledge, negotiates a side agreement with a seller to receive an additional $2,000 'bonus' payment directly from the seller at closing, in addition to the commission her broker will receive. The salesperson does not disclose this arrangement to her broker or to the buyer. Under Montana law, which of the following best describes the consequences?

Correct Answer

A) The arrangement violates Montana law because a salesperson may only receive compensation through her employing broker, and the undisclosed payment creates additional disclosure violations.

Under MCA Title 37, Chapter 51, a salesperson may only receive compensation for real estate activities through her employing broker — not directly from a seller, buyer, or any other party. Accepting a direct payment from the seller without routing it through the broker violates this fundamental licensing rule. Additionally, failing to disclose the arrangement to the broker and the buyer creates separate violations related to fiduciary duty, disclosure obligations, and potentially RESPA if the transaction involves a federally related mortgage. This conduct is grounds for MBRR disciplinary action.

Answer Options
A
The arrangement violates Montana law because a salesperson may only receive compensation through her employing broker, and the undisclosed payment creates additional disclosure violations.
B
The arrangement is permissible as long as the salesperson reports the bonus payment on her annual tax return.
C
The arrangement violates Montana law only if the bonus payment causes the total commission to exceed 6% of the sale price.
D
The arrangement is permissible because the seller voluntarily agreed to pay the bonus and no law prohibits seller-paid bonuses to salespersons.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Practice Of Real Estate Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Practice Of Real Estate Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

salesperson_compensationbroker_supervisionundisclosed_paymentfiduciary_dutymca_37_51mbrr_discipline

Related Concepts

In real estate, the distinction between an independent contractor and an employee determines tax treatment, liability, and the level of control a broker may exercise over the agent's daily activities. Most real estate agents operate as independent contractors.

Florida real estate licenses must be renewed biennially, and sales associates have specific post-license education requirements for their first renewal.

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.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Practice Of Real Estate Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing