April 5th - 2006

Legal Forum hits 2,000 questions

“Am I entitled to be paid for the work that I have done showing homes?” This question, and variations of it, is very common on OREA’s online Legal Forum, which hit the 2,000-question mark in March 2006.

“Am I entitled to be paid for the work that I have done showing homes?” This question, and variations of it, is very common on OREA’s online Legal Forum, which hit the 2,000-question mark in March 2006.

While not intended to provide legal advice or opinion, the Legal Forum – the page on the OREA Web site that has received the most hits – offers perspective on situations that commonly occur in a REALTOR’s day-to-day business. And while other legal pages are also popular, like Legal Pamphlets and Privacy Compliance for example, many seekers find the information that they need in the Legal Forum. Whether you have a particular question or not, REALTORS are encouraged to visit the Legal Forum page on a regular basis to stay abreast of what issues are causing their peers concern.

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Along with questions on commission entitlement and collections, the forum fields many questions on multiple offer scenarios, disclosures, buyer agency and dual agency, and incorrect information about purchased properties.

Questions are answered by well-known real estate lawyer Merv Burgard, Q.C., a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, member of the Ontario bar for over 30 years, and a regular contributor to many real estate publications. Some topics that start as questions to Legal Forum develop into legal pamphlets for greater discussion and explanation. Recently-developed pamphlet Caveat REALTOR–Disclosing Defects, and the recently-updated Deposits and the Terminated Transaction help REALTORS comply with both the new RECO Code of Ethics, and CREA’s revised REALTOR Code.

As REBBA 2002 and its regulations, including the new RECO Code of Ethics take effect on March 31, it is important to bear in mind that not all responses currently contained in Legal Forum will continue to be applicable with the advent of the new Act and revised codes of ethics.

To submit a question, visit the OREA Web site at www.orea.com, log on to “My OREA” and go to “LEGAL Forum” under the legal section. You will need to include your first name and e-mail address and type in your question in the space provided. When your question and Merv’s response are posted on the Web site, you will be notified at the e-mail address that was submitted, so be sure to input the information correctly. Questions and answers are initially posted in both the Recently Asked Questions area, as well as under the appropriate Topic and Subtopic.

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For more information contact

Ontario Real Estate Association

Jean-Adrien Delicano

Manager, Media Relations

JeanAdrienD@orea.com

416-445-9910 ext. 246

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