Samantha, a seller's licensee, receives an offer on her client's property at 321 Forest Lane, Whistler. The offer includes a clause stating that the buyer will pay Samantha an additional 'finder's fee' of $5,000 upon completion, directly from the buyer's funds, in addition to the commission paid by the seller. What must Samantha do regarding this proposed payment?

Question: Samantha, a seller's licensee, receives an offer on her client's property at 321 Forest Lane, Whistler. The offer includes a clause stating that the buyer will pay Samantha an additional 'finder's fee' of $5,000 upon completion, directly from the buyer's funds, in addition to the commission paid by the seller. What must Samantha do regarding this proposed payment?

Answer options:

• Accept the payment as it is additional remuneration for her services, ensuring it is documented.
• Direct the buyer to pay the additional fee to her brokerage, as all remuneration must go through the brokerage. ✅ Advise the buyer that this payment is not permissible without the seller's knowledgeable consent and full disclosure to all parties.
• Refuse the payment immediately as it constitutes a conflict of interest and is unethical under any circumstances.

Correct answer: Advise the buyer that this payment is not permissible without the seller's knowledgeable consent and full disclosure to all parties.

Explanation: Real Estate Services Rules (Section 5-11, Disclosure of Remuneration) require a licensee to obtain the consent of all principals to the transaction before accepting any remuneration from a person other than the licensee's client, or additional remuneration from their client, that is not disclosed in the client'agency agreement.