June 2014

Can a Real Estate Broker or Agent give a referral fee to someone who does not hold a real estate license? 

Answer:  No. Section 475.25(1)(h), Florida Statutes, prohibits a Florida licensee from paying a fee or compensating someone who does not hold a real estate license in Florida or another state. 

I am not a lawyer and this is not meant as legal advice.  I am a licensed Florida Realtor and this was taken from the Legal Center's Frequently Asked Questions of the Florida Realtors Organization website.  

Question:  May the listing agreement renew automatically? 

A: No. Section 475.25(1)(r), Florida Statutes, states that it’s a violation of real estate licensing law if a real estate licensee “has failed in any written listing agreement to include a definite expiration date, description of the property, price and terms, fee or commission, and a proper signature of the principal(s); and has failed to give the principal(s) a legible, signed, true and correct copy of the listing agreement within 24 hours of obtaining the written listing agreement. The written listing agreement shall contain no provision requiring the person signing the listing to notify the broker of the intention to cancel the listing after such definite expiration date.” 

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Just when I think life in St. Andrews Country Club cannot be more unique, something happens.  While enjoying the salt water lap pool, I heard bagpipes and it was too early for it to be an imaginary bagpipe! :)  

At the Clubhouse main entrance, members and guests were greeted with a Scottish Piper in true St. Andrews Scotland traditional attire - kilt and all. (His picture at the bottom of the post - so, read all!) If you're not familiar with Scotland's St. Andrews, it is reputed to be the birthplace of golf.  In fact, St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland is so traditional, they're voting this September to allow women as members of the club!  Even Augusta retired that rule years ago!

My personal opinion is golf was born in Scotland, but it is King in