Discuss Real Estate Licensing Maryland-Real-Estate-Salesperson Exam Topic 3 Question 14

What must an agent do if they receive an undisclosed bonus from a seller to incentivize closing by a certain date?

AThe agent can accept the bonus without any disclosure requirements.

BThe agent must disclose the bonus to any buyers they are working with on the transaction.

CThe agent should keep the bonus confidential and not inform the broker.

DThe agent should pay the bonus to the broker.

Suggested Answer: B

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

Under Maryland Code of Ethics (COMAR 09.11.02.33A) and Maryland Business Occupations and Professions 17-322(a)(23), a licensee must disclose any compensation, commission, fee, or bonus received from a party other than their client in the transaction.

If a seller offers an undisclosed bonus to the buyer's agent, that bonus must be fully disclosed in writing to the buyer (the agent's client) before acceptance. Failure to do so constitutes an ethical and legal violation. The payment, once disclosed, must be processed through the agent's broker, who is responsible for all compensation distribution.

Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course -- ''Fair Housing and Ethics'' Module; COMAR 09.11.02.33A(23); Maryland Business Occupations and Professions 17-322.

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22 comments · newest first

Nobuko 2 days ago

Agreed! Buyers deserve to know about any bonuses.

Misty 7 days ago

I think B is the right choice. Transparency is key.

Jesusita 12 days ago

D seems fair, but is it really necessary?

Jani 18 days ago

C is risky. Keeping it confidential could backfire.

Mirta 23 days ago

Definitely B. It protects everyone involved.

Lindsay 28 days ago

A sounds tempting, but it feels unethical.

Andrew 1 month ago

Agreed! Buyers deserve to know about any bonuses.

Aron 1 month ago

I think B is the right choice. Transparency is key.

Galen 1 month ago

Are you sure about that? Sounds a bit extreme.

Cristy 2 months ago

A is totally wrong. Ethics matter in our field!

Paulina 2 months ago

Wow, I didn't know agents had to disclose bonuses!

Suzi 2 months ago

I thought it was okay to keep it a secret?

Phillip 2 months ago

B is definitely the right choice. Transparency is key!

Tom 2 months ago

I thought bonuses were just part of the game, surprised by this!

Rashad 2 months ago

C is a big no-no, always tell the broker!

Azzie 3 months ago

Wait, is it really illegal to keep it secret?

Xochitl 3 months ago

I disagree, A seems easier for agents.

Skye 3 months ago

Definitely B! Full disclosure is key.

Dana 3 months ago

I vaguely recall that bonuses should be disclosed to the broker, so maybe D is the right choice?

Alecia 3 months ago

I could be wrong, but I think keeping it confidential like in option C could lead to serious trouble.

Salena 4 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like there was a practice question that mentioned agents can't just accept bonuses without telling anyone.

Maurine 5 months ago

I think I remember something about disclosure being really important in real estate transactions, so maybe it's B?

Real Estate Licensing Maryland-Real-Estate-Salesperson Exam - Topic 3 Question 14 Discussion