Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

What should an agent do if a landlord offers them a check as a thank you for their performance?

1. Accept the check personally

2. Ask that the check be rewritten to the brokerage

3. Deposit the check into their personal account

4. Refuse the check completely

The correct answer is: Ask that the check be rewritten to the brokerage

When a landlord offers a check to an agent as a thank you for their performance, the agent should request that the check be rewritten to the brokerage. This is because, in a professional setting, any compensation for services rendered should be processed through the brokerage firm with which the agent is affiliated. Accepting personal checks could lead to conflicts of interest or violations of real estate laws and regulations. The brokerage is typically responsible for managing financial transactions, ensuring that all income generated from real estate transactions is accounted for and is compliant with local and state regulations. This practice also reinforces the agent's professionalism and adherence to ethical standards within the real estate industry. By having the check made out to the brokerage, the funds can be properly documented and distributed according to the regulations governing real estate agents and brokers.