A licensed New York attorney occasionally assists clients with real estate matters as part of his legal practice. He now seeks to earn referral fees by directing clients to a specific real estate brokerage, with no legal services involved in those referrals. Which statement correctly describes his licensing requirement?
Correct Answer
B) He must hold a real estate license to lawfully receive referral fees, because the attorney exemption does not extend to compensation earned outside the scope of legal practice
NY Real Property Law §440-a exempts licensed attorneys from real estate licensing requirements, but only when their real estate activities are performed as part of, and incidental to, the practice of law. Where an attorney seeks compensation specifically for directing clients to a brokerage — with no legal services involved — that activity constitutes real estate brokerage as defined under NY RPL §440, and the attorney exemption does not apply. To lawfully receive such referral fees, the attorney must hold a valid New York real estate license.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
A nonconforming use is a property use that was legally established before a zoning change but no longer complies with the current zoning ordinance. It is commonly called a "grandfathered" use.
A planned unit development (PUD) is a zoning classification that allows mixed land uses (residential, commercial, recreational) within a single development with flexible zoning standards. Homeowners typically own their lot and share common areas.
Police power is the government's authority to enact laws and regulations to protect the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare. It is the broadest power government has over private property.
More Ny License Law Dos Regulations Questions
In New York, what is the minimum age requirement to obtain a real estate salesperson license?
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- → Under New York Department of State fee schedules, what is the fee required to sit for the real estate salesperson licensing examination?
- → Broker Martinez holds an active NY broker license and operates a principal office. She opens a branch office managed day-to-day by Associate Broker Thompson. A competing broker claims Martinez is violating DOS regulations because the branch office lacks proper licensing. Which of the following best evaluates this claim?
- → A prospective salesperson candidate completed portions of the required 77-hour pre-licensing curriculum at two separate DOS-approved real estate schools. Under NY DOS regulations, which statement best describes the candidate's examination eligibility?
- → Amanda completed her 77-hour pre-licensing course in January 2024. She is now ready to take her exam in March 2026. Is her education still valid?
- → A salesperson has completed 20 of the required 22.5 hours of continuing education before her license renewal deadline. Which of the following would satisfy her remaining 2.5-hour requirement?
- → A New York salesperson wants to open an independent brokerage office without associating with a sponsoring broker. Which licensing distinction determines whether that is permitted?
- → A New York broker receives client money that must be held separately from the broker's own operating funds. What type of account must the broker use under the DOS rule?
- → A New York applicant is selecting a path to complete the 77-hour pre-licensing requirement. Which listed method is not acceptable under New York law?
- → Maria, a New York real estate salesperson, received her license in January 2024. Her license is set to expire in January 2026. She has completed 18 hours of continuing education courses. How many additional CE hours must she complete to satisfy New York's renewal requirements?
- → Steven Garcia completed 18 hours of continuing education during 2025 and 2026. His license expires December 31, 2026. On December 20, 2026, he registers for a 6-hour course scheduled for January 10, 2027. What is his renewal status?
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