Posted by Rich[FL] on October 13, 2004 at 17:59:44:
In FL, it’s the act of bring a buyer and seller together FOR COMPENSATION that’s considered performing real estate services. That said…
I think there are special provisions for entities like newspapers and the like who charge for ads which effectively bring buyers and sellers together that exempt them from the requirements of the licensing regulations. This section may applicable to your situation. However, the idea that you’d charge a % of the selling price may tip the scales back to the license required arena. It depends on how large that percentage is. (On the other hand…a newspaper ad of say $200 may be 0.1% of the selling price; why can’t your price be 0.5% or so???) Now if you end up going so far as to “guarantee” the sale or they won’t have to pay…that’s probably well over the line.
I read the article…
They don’t call it the Republic of California for nothing. No that I’m qualified but…in my opinion, the state has little standing on this issue.
Not that this means its never going to get any criticism but local companies in my neck (OH) of the woods offer the same services without indicating anywhere on their site(s) that they are or are not a broker.
I think the issue may have to do with whether or not you’re representing the client’s interests. Would it have to do with whether or not you’re offering advice or whether you are providing for contact b/w the seller and prospective buyer. Those are things regular agents do while web sites would not necessarily.