Practice of Real Estate
This topic covers a licensee's professional and ethical duties, including fair housing, trust fund handling, and truthful advertising.
Fair Housing
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. Prohibited conduct includes steering, blockbusting, and redlining. Licensees must treat all clients equally, offer the same services, and avoid discriminatory statements in advertising or showings. Violations can bring civil penalties and license discipline.
Trust Funds and Advertising
Earnest money and other client funds must be held in a separate escrow or trust account; commingling with personal funds or converting them is a serious violation. Advertising must be truthful and not misleading and generally must identify the brokerage. Brokers supervise their affiliated licensees and are responsible for compliance with license law.