Tag Archives: kickbacks

The ‘secret profit’ trap agents don’t realize they’re walking into

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on The ‘secret profit’ trap agents don’t realize they’re walking into

“Secret profit” can show up in everyday transactions. Summer Goralik and Troy Palmquist share how to disclose properly and avoid unforeseen consequences. Continue reading →

What every real estate pro should know about kickback rules

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on What every real estate pro should know about kickback rules

RESPA is the biggest party foul in real estate. Compliance expert Summer Goralik explains the rules and stresses that anything less than full compliance can be a career-ending misstep. Continue reading →

Douglas Elliman dragged back to court over wrongful termination allegations

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Douglas Elliman dragged back to court over wrongful termination allegations

A former employee of Portfolio Escrow — a firm Douglas Elliman acquired in 2020 — says she was fired after raising concerns. But the company accused the former employee of embezzlement Continue reading →

Escrow under fire: When the playbook ignores the rulebook

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Escrow under fire: When the playbook ignores the rulebook

Compliance expert Summer Goralik examines practices drawing fresh regulatory scrutiny, putting questionable and potentially unlawful incentives between brokers and escrow back in the spotlight. Continue reading →

Free videos for real estate agents land title company rep in hot water

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Free videos for real estate agents land title company rep in hot water

California Best Title Company Inc. settles case alleging illegal inducements for $150,000 without admitting wrongdoing, but marketing rep loses license for three years. Continue reading →

Stephen Kotler steps down as Western Region CEO at Elliman

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Stephen Kotler steps down as Western Region CEO at Elliman

Kotler has been with Douglas Elliman for more than 30 years, and will now return to work in sales alongside his brother and son on the Kotler Team in New York City following a tumultuous period for western operations. Continue reading →

Douglas Elliman of California and former escrow head settle lawsuits

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Douglas Elliman of California and former escrow head settle lawsuits

The lawsuits alleging kickbacks by high profile brokers, which were launched in October, are now resolved. Founder and former CEO of Portfolio Escrow Bill Grasska said he is “committed to ensuring my name remains synonymous with integrity and excellence.” Continue reading →

Reality star Jason Oppenheim’s kickback scandal: The Download

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Reality star Jason Oppenheim’s kickback scandal: The Download

Can the “Selling Sunset” star bounce back from kickback accusations, or will they take a toll on his professional reputation? Continue reading →

Jason Oppenheim identified as mystery broker in kickback plot

By | | Uncategorized
Comments Off on Jason Oppenheim identified as mystery broker in kickback plot

In lawsuits filed this fall, Douglas Elliman accused escrow employees of concocting a commission-sharing scheme with the “star of a reality television show” but stopped short of naming Oppenheim. Continue reading →