14.22 Avoiding the Unauthorized Practice of Law

Company policy is that Associates are not to engage in the unauthorized practice of law. To do so is grounds for suspension or revocation of their real estate license. Real estate licensees are permitted to fill in the blanks in pre-printed, standardized forms with respect to transactions handled in the usual course of business. Accordingly, a real estate licensee may fill in the blanks of a purchase and sale agreement, a promissory note for earnest money, rental agreements, and most lease agreements. The licensee, however, is to fill in the blanks at the direction of a party to the transaction, such as the seller, buyer, landlord, or tenant. A licensee should not draft or assist in the preparation of a land sale contract (with financing terms), option contract, deed, or mortgage. All of these documents require the services of an attorney.