What types of breaches would lead to a disciplinary action in real estate NSW?

The following are disciplinary cases brought by the Council for Estate Agencies against salespersons or estate agents for breaching the Estate Agents Act (Cap. 95A) or regulations made thereunder including the Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care or the Code of Practice for Estate Agents.

These cases illustrate the misconduct which had been committed and the charges which were brought as well as the penalties that were imposed by the Disciplinary Committee upon the respective respondents. The cases are examples of breaches of the respective regulations and the penalties that are meted out for breaches would depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case. They are meant to inform salespersons about the disciplinary cases which have been concluded and to remind them not to commit such breaches of the Act or Regulations.

The cases are also meant to provide respondents in on-going disciplinary proceedings (who may be facing charges similar to those cited in the cases and who wish to know about precedents e.g. for plea bargaining purposes) with information on the previous decisions on penalties which were meted out by the Disciplinary Committee.

Contravention of HDB's rules

  1. Estate agents and salespersons must not undertake estate agency work in respect of Housing and Development Board flats unless they are fully conversant and comply with the applicable laws, regulations, rules and procedures that apply to transactions involving such flats.
  2. The following cases are meant to provide salespersons with a useful resource of past breaches. The cases can be accessed here (PDF,125KB). 

Advice to Salespersons

  • If the client's instructions are not in accordance with the law, the salesperson should advise the client accordingly. If the client persists, the salesperson should discharge himself.
  • Obtain consent to advertise before marketing any property.
  • Advertisements must provide accurate information.
  • If in doubt, the salesperson should verify the client's information.
  • Salespersons should not facilitate subletting of HDB rental flats.
  • HDB rental flats are not meant to be sublet and it is a serious matter to do so.

1 1.What is the definition of 'Agency'? new  
2 2. Identify two (2) examples of parties common to real estate transactions. new  
3 3. What is an agent's obligation to the vendor? new  
4 4. What is an agent's obligation to the purchaser? new  
5

5. For each of the agency services below, briefly describe what is involved in conducting these services and outline any licensing requirements:

  • Residential sales
  • Residential property management
  • Property management business development
  • Commercial/industrial/retail sales
  • Commercial/industrial/retail property management
  • Auctioneering
  • Buyer's agent
  • Stock and station agent (NSW only)
  • Business broker
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6 6. Which government body enforces the foundation rules of ethical practice in the real estate industry and how agents deal with the public? new  
7 7. What are the codes of conduct and ethics that apply to ALL people in the real estate profession in your state?   new  
8 8. Name two (2) penalties that can be imposed for breaches of the code of conduct and ethics from the previous question: new  
9 9. What types of breaches would lead to a disciplinary action in real estate? List two (2) examples. new  
10 10. What is an agent's obligation regarding honesty, fairness and professionalism? new  
11 11. What is an agent's obligation regarding confidentiality? new  
12 12. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) governs all states and territories. True or False. new  
13

13.In relation to real estate agents, agencies and transactions, explain the role of the following bodies and regulations:

a) Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC)

b) Your state Legislation, e.g. Property, stock and business agents act, Real estate and business agents act, estate agents act, land agents act or property and motor dealers act.
 

c) Your states governing body
 

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14 14. Name three (3) possible areas of discrimination / harassment: new  
15 15. Briefly describe three (3) areas of discrimination/harassment. Outline a scenario for each that could occur in a real estate transaction. new  
16 16. A real estate agency contains a lot of confidential information such as commercial records as well as private information. There are 5 points to the Privacy Act surrounding how we collect and store those records. List and describe two of these points. new  
17 17. List three (3) forms of business ownership / structure. new  
18 18. You have a friend who is keen to get a start in real estate and offers to work weekends, free of charge, as your assistant to learn the industry. Explain what you would do and why. new  
19 19. Explain the repercussions of a person performing tasks on behalf of the agency and not holding the necessary licence or certificate. new  
20

20. What are the requirements to hold a: (Select the qualification relevant to your state)

Certificate Registration (NSW Only):

Agents' Representative Registration (VIC Only):

Property Manager Registration (SA Only):

Real Estate Salesperson (QLD Only):

Restricted Property Management Registration (WA Only):

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21 21. List two (2) penalties for obtaining a licence or registration for real estate under false pretences. new  
22 22. What are the requirements to hold a Real Estate licence? new  
23

23. Explain regulatory requirements for continuing professional development for Certificate of Registration holders:

(If this is not applicable to your state, please answer with your state name, e.g. Victoria)

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24 24. There are two common law obligations that are placed on agents when dealing with third parties, these are: new  
25 25. What is common law? new  
26 26. What is an agent's ethical obligation to the vendor / landlord under common law? new  
27 27. What does the term 'equity' mean?  new  
28 28. What is statute law?           new  
29 29. Under Contract Law what are the six (6) essential elements to a valid Contract for Sale? List and briefly describe these. new  
30

30. Whilst you have been away on annual leave, the Principal of the agency has exchanged contracts to personally purchase one of your listings. You do not believe that your vendor is aware of the fact that it is your employer as it has been purchased in a company name and there is no declaration on the file or on the copy of the contract in the file. The cooling off period will expire at 5pm today.

a) What is the problem with this scenario?

b) What skills will you need to employ to deal with this issue? 

c) What steps should the principal have taken?

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31 31. What are the three (3) key principles of Equal Opportunity Employment (EOE)? new  
32 32. Explain the responsibility of a Licensee-in Charge/Principal. new  
33 33. Define 'vicarious liability'. new  
34 34. Which Act and Awards cover real estate wages / commission? new  
35 35. List any four (4) items covered in a Letter of Appointment. new  
36 36. Ensuring safety in the workplace is whose responsibility? new  
37 37. Following safety in the workplace guidelines and protocols is whose responsibility? new  
38 38. Define 'secret commission' and provide an example of this.  new  
39 39. If an agent (A)________________that (B)________________________________or creates an (C)_________________when there is (D)_________________, they expose themselves to (E)_______________. new  
40 40. What is the difference between valuation and appraisal? new  
41 41. List and explain any three (3) potential barriers to communication. new  
42

42. A neighbour attends an Open House but complains to your assistant at the door that they do not wish to give their details to be logged on to the Register as they do not wish the vendors to be told of their interest. You need to address their concerns and advise them of their rights and your obligations.

What do you do to address their concerns whilst still abiding by legislation and why?

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43

43. An unhappy customer is at the front reception, loudly lodging a complaint and being unreasonable. There are other members of the public in the same area.

What communication skills will you need to employ to solve this issue?

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44 44. What steps would you take if a customer approaches you to lodge a complaint? new  
45 45. When and how is a foreign investment disclosed? new  
46 46. Define 'Material Fact'. new  
47 47. List five (5) things that are considered material facts and must be disclosed to potential buyers: new  
48 48. With regards to 'Material Fact' list any two (2) professionals that may provide expert advice. new  
49 49. Describe and provide an example of how a business can be an eco-friendly and sustainable environment.    

What types of breaches would lead to a disciplinary action in real estate?

Serious offences violent offences (including threats to use violence) fraud or dishonesty offences. drug trafficking. extortion.

What leads to disciplinary action in real estate?

The California Real Estate Board has a long list of violations that lead to disciplinary actions. Below are the most common California real estate license violations that can lead to the investigation of your professional license. Unlicensed Activity. Trust Fund Mishandling. Misrepresentation.

Where there are grounds for disciplinary action what action can NSW Fair Trading take?

Disciplinary action If we decide to take action, we can issue you a formal caution or reprimand, impose a monetary penalty or condition on your licence or, where the conduct is serious, cancel your licence and disqualify you from holding or obtaining a licence in the future.

What are consequences that could occur if a real estate employee misinterpreted legislation?

An offence under this section can attract up a penalty of up to $22,000. The Property and Stock Agents Regulation 2022 (the Regulation) sets out rules of conduct (both general and specific) that apply to both licensees and certificate of registration holders.