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Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawHARD

Broker Helen in Rhode Island has a signed buyer representation agreement with client Tom, specifying a 3% buyer-broker commission to be paid by the seller through the MLS cooperative arrangement. The seller's listing offers only 2% to cooperating brokers. Tom agrees in writing to pay the 1% shortfall directly to Helen at closing. Under Rhode Island law, which statement best describes this arrangement?

Correct Answer

D) This arrangement is permissible because the buyer representation agreement discloses the compensation terms and Tom has provided written consent

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20.5 and § 5-20.6, buyers may lawfully compensate their broker directly when the compensation is disclosed in a written buyer representation agreement and the client provides informed consent. The buyer representation agreement specifying the 3% compensation and Tom's written agreement to pay the 1% shortfall satisfies Rhode Island's disclosure and consent requirements. This arrangement is transparent and contractually sound.

Answer Options
A
This arrangement is illegal because buyers may never pay commissions directly to brokers in Rhode Island
B
This arrangement requires prior DBR approval because it involves a non-standard commission split
C
This arrangement is permissible only if the seller also provides written consent to the buyer's direct payment to Helen
D
This arrangement is permissible because the buyer representation agreement discloses the compensation terms and Tom has provided written consent

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

buyer_broker_compensationcommission_shortfallwritten_consentbuyer_representation

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