EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawMEDIUM

Broker Fiona in Rhode Island operates a flat-fee limited service brokerage. She charges sellers a flat fee of $1,500 to list their property on the MLS and provides no other services. A seller signs Fiona's limited service listing agreement and later complains that Fiona did not assist with negotiations. Under Rhode Island law, which statement is most accurate?

Correct Answer

B) Fiona's flat-fee model is permissible, but she must disclose in writing the specific limited services she will provide

Rhode Island law permits limited service and flat-fee brokerage arrangements. However, under R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20.5 and the agency disclosure requirements of § 5-20.6, brokers offering limited services must clearly disclose in writing the specific services they will and will not provide. As long as Fiona's agreement clearly defined the scope of services as MLS listing only, she has fulfilled her contractual and legal obligations.

Answer Options
A
Fiona's flat-fee model is illegal in Rhode Island because all brokers must provide full-service representation
B
Fiona's flat-fee model is permissible, but she must disclose in writing the specific limited services she will provide
C
Fiona must refund the flat fee because she failed to complete the transaction
D
Fiona must provide full negotiation services regardless of the fee structure agreed upon

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:

flat_fee_brokeragelimited_servicedisclosure_requiredcommission_structure

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