Chapter 10 of 1512% of exam
Practice of Real Estate
This area covers professional conduct, fair housing, and the ethical handling of transactions and funds. Compliance protects consumers and the licensee's career.
Fair Housing
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. Illegal practices include steering, blockbusting, and redlining. Illinois adds additional protected classes under state human rights law.
Handling Funds and Advertising
Client and escrow funds must be kept in a separate trust account; commingling with the broker's funds is prohibited. Advertising must be truthful and not misleading, and it must identify the sponsoring brokerage. Puffing (opinion) is allowed, but misrepresentation of fact is not.