RK Ruthman

2003-Connecticut http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?A=1778&Q=283954 http://ct.gov/AG/cwp/view.asp?A=1778&Q=283956 Connecticut Attorney General's Office - Press Release 2005 "...Attorney General, Consumer Protection Commissioner Announce Settlement With William Raveis Real Estate CoThe settlement, filed in Hartford Superior Court is a result of an investigation of complaints made to the Attorney General and DCP regarding representations made by Raveis that suggested that the "compliance fee" was required or sanctioned by the government, and that the fee was equal to the cost for Raveis to comply with government regulations. "This settlement – along with a similar settlement reached last year with Prudential – should send a clear message to the real estate industry that the State of Connecticut will be vigilant in ensuring that representations about supplemental fees are full, fair, and accurate," Blumenthal said. "Companies need facts to support the claims they make in connection with the fees they charge." "We take our commitment to protect Connecticut consumers very seriously and are pleased to have reached this settlement with Raveis," said Acting Commissioner Rodriguez. The settlement provides partial restitution of $30 to every consumer who paid the fee to Raveis between 1999 and 2002, when Raveis ceased charging the fee. The $30 reimbursement represents the amount of the fee consumers paid that was over and above the actual cost to Raveis to comply with government regulations. Because the conduct affected several thousand consumers, the total amount of restitution to which consumers may be entitled is estimated to be up to $175,000. In addition to restitution, the settlement prohibits Raveis from engaging in a variety of future acts or practices, such as implying that a fee is required by law or regulation if such is not the case, and from representing that a fee is intended to reimburse Raveis for costs unless the company has prior substantiation that the fee it charges is relatively equal to the amount it charges consumers. To settle the matter, Raveis will pay a total of $225,000, with $200,000 going to the State, and $25,000 to be contributed to the University of Connecticut's Center for Real Estate and Urban Economic Studies, in addition to the estimated $175,000 in restitution. Persons entitled to restitution should receive notice of entitlement within the next few weeks, and may respond directly to John Davis of Raveis at 7 Trap Falls Road, Shelton, Connecticut 06484 in order to receive restitution." On January 27, 2007, I mentioned the Admin Fee being charged to agents if they could not get their buyers and sellers to agree to it. COMMISSION SPLITS: What's In Your Independent Contract Agreement May Be What's In Your Wallet http://activerain.com/blogsview/38966/COMMISSION-SPLITS-What-s

I didn't know the new lightbulbs had mercury. That is good to know. Thanks Bernice!

I agree with you Theresa many of the smaller real estate companies are giving agents big value for joining. I am pretty much agent-centric. If an agent has more control of their business, they are more likely to control their own commisisons and costs, and give better service to customers. I have a professionally equipped office with a great view and extra desks, but I am looking to recruit licensed Connecticut Real Estate Agents with home-offices. These truly independent contractors can keep what they make. Absolutely 100% of their commission. No transaction fees. No monthly desk fees. Their brand. Their name. Their phone number. Teams are welcomed, too! If not completed satisfied with 100% of their commission, they can take their listings with them to another company. No hassles.