Maria is a new salesperson working for XYZ Brokerage in Ottawa. Her aunt, Elena, asks Maria to help her sell her condominium unit. Elena offers Maria a cash bonus of $5,000 directly, in addition to the commission agreed upon with XYZ Brokerage, if she sells the unit quickly. How should Maria respond to this offer?

Question: Maria is a new salesperson working for XYZ Brokerage in Ottawa. Her aunt, Elena, asks Maria to help her sell her condominium unit. Elena offers Maria a cash bonus of $5,000 directly, in addition to the commission agreed upon with XYZ Brokerage, if she sells the unit quickly. How should Maria respond to this offer?

Answer options: ✅ Maria must decline the direct cash bonus as all remuneration must be paid to and through her brokerage, as per the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA).

• Maria can accept the bonus but must disclose it to her brokerage after the sale closes.
• Maria can accept the bonus if she discloses it to Elena and has it documented in writing.
• Maria should inform her brokerage and request that the bonus be added to the commission paid to the brokerage, with the understanding that she will receive it later.

Correct answer: Maria must decline the direct cash bonus as all remuneration must be paid to and through her brokerage, as per the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA).

Explanation: Under TRESA, 2002 and its regulations, all remuneration payable to a salesperson must be paid to the brokerage and subsequently disbursed by the brokerage to the salesperson. Salespersons cannot accept direct payment from clients.