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Reasons Real Estate Agents get SUED!

Here’s how to keep lawsuits from happening to you!

Here’s the facts:

  • With so much details, multiple client deals at once and valuable properties, it’s all too easy for things to slip through the cracks, and all professional real estate agents are vulnerable when it comes to getting sued.
  • RE Agents should always be prepared and knowledgeable about potential legal problems that could arise.
  • Legal problems for RE agents include failing to disclose a property defect, breach of duty, giving legal advice, misleading clients and something as simple as a slip, trip, fall or a fender bender while driving to and from the property!

Even the smallest of mistakes could end up costing you a lot of money lost, a whole mess of stress and worst of all, it could ruin your reputation. Good thing is, there are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and your real estate career.

Although accidents can still happen, learning how to avoid the most common mistakes can significantly reduce the risk of being sued, and you should still be prepared and become more knowledgeable about these risks.

Here’s a list of 10 common ways real estate agents get sued and how you can prevent them from happening to you:

(Yes there is Business Insurance for all this but doing your due diligence will help you avoid costly deductibles, time consuming depositions and will help keep your reputation intact!)

1. Failing to disclose a property defect

Buyers who discover defects after signing the papers will be quick to blame the real estate agent. Every bit of damage and every defect found on the property should be thoroughly documented.

Defects can include construction issues, improvements without permits, leaks, cracking, noise or nuisances.

When a buyer sues a real estate agent for failing to disclose a property defect, they have to prove the agent knew or should have known about the defect and failed to disclose it.

Be sure to perform a thorough inspection of the property, and have your clients sign a statement that documents their awareness of any issues.

2. Breach of duty

One of the most common lawsuits brought against real estate agents is for breach of duty. Real estate agents know they must always act in the best interest of the client, as clients place a special trust in real estate agents for their expertise.

Real estate agents are held to a highest standard of honesty and full disclosure. Any breach of this duty, whether from negligence or intentional action, is subject to the risk of a lawsuit.

Always document everything, and practice honesty at all times to avoid this common pitfall.

3. Representing clients in unfamiliar territory

If you are showing and selling properties in an area that you are unfamiliar with, take extra precaution and do your research first.

Many times there are requirements or other situations particular to an area of which you are unaware. If an issue arises that is due to the geographic location, you might be blamed because you failed to warn your clients about any such problems.

4. Giving legal advice

Clients want their real estate agent to have an answer for every question they ask. Similarly, real estate agents want to help their clients.

Just remember most states consider it illegal for a real estate agent to give tax or legal advice. This mistake is especially difficult to avoid because taxes and legalities are an unavoidable part of real estate.

If you give the wrong advice your client could blame you for any consequences. Instead, politely request that your clients direct any such questions to a local trusted lawyer or tax professional.

5. Misleading clients

Every real estate agent strives to make their property stand out from the crowd. It might even be tempting to exaggerate here and there about the features or the condition of the house. However, this kind of deception can end damaging you as a real estate agent.

If a buyer feels misled about anything, a lawsuit typically follows shortly after. Always be truthful about claims you make about a property with no room for misinterpretation.

A misleading statement might help you close a sale, but it might also lead to legal action and financial loss. It’s not worth the risk to your pocket or your reputation.

6. Breach of contract

When a client claims a real estate agent did not perform under the terms of a contract, he or she might seek legal action.

One of the most common reasons for breach of contract is failing to comply with time frames stated in the contract. A breach of contract claim is often made in conjunction with claims of negligence, fraud or breach of duty.

It’s important to examine every aspect of your contracts with a lawyer to ensure all appropriate information is accounted for and accurate.

Additionally, be sure to take time with each client to advise them on the terms of a contract properly. Identify any unclear clauses, terms or issues to reduce the chance of later legal action.

7. Failing to keep your clients’ data safe

Online thiefs are lurking everywhere, and they want your clients’ information. Moreover, if they are successful in getting it — you will be the one who pays.

Protect your clients’ information from criminals by installing security software and keeping your paperwork in a secure location. Do not transmit sensitive information via email or text and document all your communications via encrypted formats. Once you have a secure system in place, regularly change your password and always check that your data continues to be encrypted.

8. Failing to recommend inspections

Real estate agents frequently fail to recommend property inspections to prospective buyers. Your clients are trusting you for your expertise and guidance through the real estate process. But there are some areas that require a third-party opinion.

Inspectors should be recommended for pools, chimneys, roofs, septic systems and structural issues. At minimum, a general home inspection should be recommended regardless of the cost and you should document that recommendation.

9. Negligence

Negligence is a cause of action alleging the failure to exercise due care toward others that a reasonable or prudent person would do in the circumstances.

Clients can make claims that a real estate agent should have known something but did not and failed to take appropriate action.

Negligence differs from fraud in that it lacks an element of intent. Often clients seeking legal action will begin by claiming fraud, but if they are unable to prove intent, they will seek reparations for negligence.

It’s hard to prevent claims of negligence because you might not always know what you should have known. Be sure to obtain General Liability, Professional Liability and Commercial Auto Insurance coverage for these unfortunate instances.

10. Bodily injury

If a client is injured during a showing and you are found liable, you will be responsible for reimbursing any costs related to the accident.

Always make sure any debris is picked up, the walk ways are dry and properly illuminated to avoid slips and falls. Bodily claims might also include physical problems resulting from an undisclosed mold problem.

Evaluate your property for all possible physical risks and protect your business with insurance for unforeseen accidents.

We Can Help Protect Your Real Estate Business

Even the most diligent real estate agent can get sued. The great news is, by avoiding the common mistakes listed above you can dramatically reduce your risk.

It is still crucial to protect yourself as much as possible. Finding your own errors and omissions (Professional Liability), Business Owners (General Liability), Business Auto (Commercial Auto) coverages is essential. We can help you navigate this often frustrating journey and make insurance easy to understand. So that you can concentrate on what you love to do, being a Real Estate Professional!

Examples of Risks and Insurance Needed –

1. Auto Accidents when transacting real estate business (your business vehicle should be on it’s own commercial auto policy to be properly covered or the personal auto policy it is on, should have a Business Use endorsement)

2. Personal Injury Includes coverage for Libel and Slander Lawsuits arising out of transacting real estate business (this is only covered under a good Business Owners policy that carries General Liability along with Products & Completed Operations coverage and Hired Auto/Non-Owned Auto Liability).

3. Stolen or Lost Business Property (signage, lock boxes, computers, desks and anything else used for transacting business should be insured under a Business Owners Policy to be fully covered or endorsed onto the Renters or Homeowners policy for a limited coverage).

4. Loss of Business Income covers you for lost business income in the event of a covered loss while transacting your real estate business (this can only be covered under a good Business Owners Policy).

5. Lawsuit arising out of loss of client’s personal data (Cyber Liability is now a separate coverage not included in a base Business Owners Policy).

6. Slips, trips and falls could happen during, after or while going to a showing. A Commercial Policy will defend you against any lawsuits and indemnify a claimant if it is found that you are legally liable to pay a third party for any injuries they may have sustained while at your place of business (Even if the property is insured by the owners, this can still come back to affect you because most insurers will find a way to be repaid and will do what is called a subrogation against you).

(209)207-0577 – Voice / (209)207-0579 / domingo@tcsib.com

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