General litigation experience alone, is inadequate to prepare one to successfully prosecute or defend Pennsylvania real estate licensees in matters arising from sales and lease transactions, commercial or residential. This book offer a detailed examination of the substantive law, forms and procedures unique to this arena. It provides and in-depth examination of the seller disclosure law; the home inspection law; and common law causes and the contractual provisions that provide causes and defenses.
Table of Contents
Claims Against Real Estate Brokers, Agents and Licensees
I. Statutory Remedies
A. Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law
- Duty to Disclose Material Defects
- What Is a “Material” Defect?
- Subsequent Inaccuracies
- Seller’s Disclosure Form
- Exceptions
- Duty of Seller to Investigate and Disclose
- Non-Liability of the Seller
- Non-Liability of an Agent
- Damages – General Rule
- Statute of Limitations
- Cause of Action Limitations
- Defenses to Failure-to-Disclose
B. Home Inspection Law
C. Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law
II. Common Law Remedies
A. Restatement, §550
B. Restatement, §353
C. Restatement (Second) of Torts § 552
D. Dangerous Conditions
E. Misrepresentation: Intentional, Negligent, Innocent
- Intentional Misrepresentation
- Negligent Misrepresentation
- Innocent Misrepresentation
F. Contract Fraud
- In the Execution
- In the Inducement
G. Common Law Damages
III. Contractual Remedies
A. PAR Forms
- Inspection Contingencies
- Integration Clauses
IV. Seller Broker v. Buyer Broker
A. Seller Broker
B. Buyer-Broker Specific Concerns
V. Hypos (From Both Legal and Ethical Perspective)
A. Dual Agency
B. Solicitation/Advertising
C. Purchase Property That Client Interest In
D. Comparables
E. Real Estate Agent Engagements
F. Real Estate Agents Engaged in Unauthorized Practice of Law
G. Multiple Roles
H. Proof of Multiple Bids on Property
I. House Risk of Loss
J. Duty to Return Deposit (Escrow)
AppendicesAppendix A: Standard Agreement for the Sale of Real Estate
Appendix B: Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement
Appendix C: Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement Addendum
Appendix D: Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazards Disclosure Form
Appendix E: Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of Realtors®