Legal Issues Archives | Page 2 of 36 | Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®

How New State Rules Affect Real Estate Businesses

November 18, 2020 | Hank Lerner, Esq. | Legal Issues

The state Department of Health announced additional rules in an effort to tamp down the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and this provides a review of how those changes relate to real estate businesses.

Debt Collectors Permitted New Means of Communication

November 13, 2020 | Desiree Brougher, Esq. | Legal Issues

On Oct. 30, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a final rule which permits debt collectors to use text messages, email, social media and voice messages for communications with debtors.

When a Sale Is Terminated, What Happens to That Inspection?

November 6, 2020 | Brian Carter, Esq. | Legal Issues | Standard Forms

The Pennsylvania Seller Disclosure Law requires sellers to disclose known material defects of a residential property to potential buyers, but it does not matter how a seller learns of that material defect. This includes material defects identified through a buyer’s inspection when the transaction does not ultimately close. In this situation, the seller’s property disclosure must be updated.

Just Do It

October 29, 2020 | Hank Lerner, Esq. | Legal Issues

Pennsylvania is currently under an “Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Requiring Universal Face Coverings.” This rule clearly applies to showings – that’s not really up for discussion. Wear your mask.

Best of the Hotline: Price Escalation Addendum

September 4, 2020 | Hank Lerner, Esq. | Legal Issues | Standard Forms

The Price Escalation Addendum (Form PEA) is one of the most misunderstood in the PAR forms library. You should review PAR’s guidelines for the form before using it, but let’s review a couple of the most common questions/complaints/misconceptions that we hear on the PAR Legal Hotline.

Think Twice Before You Post on Social Media

August 14, 2020 | James Goldsmith, Esq. | Legal Issues | Social Media

Freedom of speech is a hallmark of American life. But words are as powerful a weapon as any that may exist. Why waste them on vitriol and absurdity?

What Is Your Brokerage COVID-19 Plan?

July 24, 2020 | Desiree Brougher, Esq. | Legal Issues

Failing to properly handle a case of potential exposure of COVID-19 not only puts many other people at risk of infection but could jeopardize your career.

Negotiating the Change in Terms Addendum to Agreement of Sale

July 17, 2020 | James Goldsmith, Esq. | Legal Issues | Standard Forms

In a balanced market, and frequently in this seller’s market, properties are sold twice. There is the original offer and acceptance and then there is the renegotiation that follow the inspection reports.