Legal Information & Policies
The Parker Group - Transparency, Compliance, and Protection
Transparency and Disclosure in Client Interactions
Last updated: August 8, 2024
At The Parker Group, we prioritize transparency, clarity, and full disclosure in our interactions with clients and throughout the real estate process. In compliance with legal requirements and to ensure our clients are fully informed, we have instituted the following practices and disclosures:
1. Agency and Brokerage Compensation
1.1 Compensation Disclosure
- We explicitly do not require listing brokers or sellers to make offers of compensation to buyer brokers or other buyer representatives.
- Any offers of compensation made are neither blanket, unconditional, nor unilateral.
- We strictly prohibit the disclosure of listing broker compensation or total broker compensation on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or third-party sites.
1.2 Written Agreements
- All clients engaging with a buyer's agent must enter into a detailed written agreement prior to touring any properties.
- This agreement will explicitly specify the exact amount or rate of compensation the buyer's agent will receive.
- The compensation amount must be clearly defined and objectively ascertainable (e.g., "buyer broker compensation shall be a fixed percentage of the purchase price or a specified dollar amount").
1.3 Cost and Service Representation
Our brokerage services are never represented as "free" or available at no cost unless we receive no financial compensation from any source for those services. We ensure that all clients are fully aware of any compensation we receive.
1.4 Seller and Buyer Disclosures
- We mandate explicit, written disclosure to sellers of any payment or offer of payment to buyer brokers before any such agreement is executed.
- Broker commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable.
- Clients must acknowledge this disclosure in writing.
1.5 No Filtering Based on Compensation
We do not filter or restrict MLS listings based on the existence or level of compensation offered to buyer brokers. All available listings are presented to clients regardless of the compensation structure.
2. Ethical Standards and Compliance
The Parker Group upholds the highest ethical standards in accordance with:
- The Code of Ethics by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
- The Delaware Real Estate Commission requirements
- The Maryland Real Estate Commission requirements
- Our own internal code of ethics
3. Legal Notice and Disclaimer
Important: The information provided on this website and in all communications is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or real estate advice.
Users are strongly advised to consult with their own legal, financial, tax, and real estate professionals before making any decisions.
4. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, The Parker Group, its affiliates, agents, employees, officers, directors, or partners shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages.
5. Settlement Compliance
The Parker Group adheres to the terms and conditions stipulated in the settlement agreement between the National Association of REALTORS® and plaintiffs in the relevant litigation. We implement all mandated practice changes and fully cooperate with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Contact Information
The Parker Group
673 N. Bedford Street
Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: 302-217-6692
Email: cheers@theparkergroup.com
Privacy Policy
Last updated: August 8, 2024
1. Introduction
At The Parker Group, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Notice describes our policies and procedures on the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of your information.
2. Information We Collect
Personal Information
- Name, email address, phone number, postal address
- Transaction information and property details
- Financial information related to real estate transactions
Usage Information
- IP address and browser type
- Pages visited and interaction patterns
- Date and time of visits
3. How We Use Your Information
- Providing Services: To manage our real estate services and process transactions
- Communication: To respond to inquiries and provide customer support
- Improvement: To enhance our website and services
- Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes
Note: Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties.
4. Your Rights
You have certain rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request access to your personal information
- Correction: Request corrections to any inaccuracies
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
- Opt-Out: Opt-out of marketing communications at any time
5. Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. However, no security system is impenetrable, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us using the information provided above.
Terms of Service
Last updated: August 8, 2024
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing and using The Parker Group website and services, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations.
2. Use of Services
Permitted Use
- You may use our services for lawful purposes only
- You agree not to use our services to violate any applicable laws or regulations
- You will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of our website
3. Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of The Parker Group or its content suppliers and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.
4. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Parker Group from and against all losses, expenses, damages, and costs resulting from any violation of these terms.
5. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
6. Arbitration Agreement
Any dispute arising out of or relating to our services shall be determined by arbitration in Delaware before one arbitrator. The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS pursuant to its Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures.
Fair Housing Statement
Last updated: August 8, 2024
Our Commitment to Fair Housing
The Parker Group is committed to the letter and spirit of the Fair Housing Act and all applicable fair housing laws. We provide equal professional services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class.
Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on:
- Race or color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
- Familial status (including children under 18 living with parents or legal custodians)
- Disability (physical or mental)
Additional Protected Classes
Delaware Protected Classes:
- Age
- Marital status
- Source of income
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
Maryland Protected Classes:
- Marital status
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Source of income
Reasonable Accommodations
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. This includes:
- Making reasonable modifications to policies and procedures
- Providing auxiliary aids and services for effective communication
- Ensuring accessibility of our services and facilities
Filing a Complaint
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you may file a complaint with:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Phone: 1-800-669-9777
TTY: 1-800-927-9275
Website: www.hud.gov
Delaware Division of Human Relations
Phone: (302) 761-8200
Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
Phone: (410) 767-8600
Accessibility Statement
Last updated: August 8, 2024
Our Commitment to Accessibility
The Parker Group is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.
Conformance Status
We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities.
Accessibility Features
- Alternative text for images
- Keyboard navigation support
- Clear heading structure
- Sufficient color contrast
- Resizable text without loss of functionality
- Descriptive link text
- Form labels and instructions
Ongoing Efforts
We work to maintain and improve accessibility through:
- Regular accessibility audits
- Staff training on accessibility best practices
- Integration of accessibility into our development process
- User feedback and testing
Contact Us About Accessibility
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our website. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers:
Email: cheers@theparkergroup.com
Phone: 302-217-6692
We will respond to accessibility feedback within 5 business days.
State-Specific Disclosures
Last updated: August 8, 2024
Delaware Real Estate Disclosures
Seller Property Disclosure
Delaware law requires sellers of residential real property to provide written disclosure of all material defects known at the time the property is listed for sale (25 Del. C. § 2572).
Delaware Real Estate Commission
License Information:
The Parker Group is licensed by the Delaware Real Estate Commission
License verification available at: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation
Delaware Real Estate Guaranty Fund
The Delaware Real Estate Commission maintains a Real Estate Guaranty Fund for the benefit of consumers who suffer monetary damages due to wrongful acts by licensed real estate professionals.
Maryland Real Estate Disclosures
Maryland Residential Property Disclosure
Maryland law (Md. Code § 10-702) requires sellers to either:
- Complete a Residential Property Disclosure Statement detailing the condition of the property, OR
- Provide a Disclaimer Statement selling the property "as is" (but must still disclose known latent defects)
Maryland Real Estate Commission
License Information:
The Parker Group maintains licenses with the Maryland Real Estate Commission
100 S. Charles Street, Tower 1, Baltimore, MD 21201
License verification available at: Maryland Real Estate Commission
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal & State)
For homes built before 1978, federal law requires:
- Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards
- Provision of EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home"
- 10-day period for buyer to conduct lead inspection
- Lead Warning Statement in sales contract
RESPA Compliance
The Parker Group complies with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), which requires:
- Provision of Good Faith Estimates when applicable
- Disclosure of any affiliated business arrangements
- Prohibition of kickbacks and unearned fees
- Proper escrow account management
DMCA Copyright Policy
Last updated: August 8, 2024
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Notice
The Parker Group respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects users of our website to do the same. In accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), we will respond to notices of alleged copyright infringement that comply with the DMCA.
Filing a DMCA Notice
If you believe that content on our website infringes your copyright, please provide our Copyright Agent with the following information:
- A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or authorized representative
- Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed
- Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing and its location on our website
- Your contact information (address, telephone number, and email)
- A statement that you have a good faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized
- A statement made under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate
Counter-Notice
If you believe that material you posted was wrongly removed, you may file a counter-notice with our Copyright Agent containing:
- Your physical or electronic signature
- Identification of the material that was removed
- A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief the material was removed by mistake
- Your name, address, phone number, and consent to jurisdiction
Designated Copyright Agent
The Parker Group Copyright Agent
Email: copyright@theparkergroup.com
Address: 673 N. Bedford Street, Georgetown, DE 19947