When a seller offers a riding lawnmower to a cooperating salesperson, which statement is NOT true?

The situation presented revolves around the ethical and legal implications of accepting gifts, such as a riding lawnmower, in real estate transactions. The assertion that the salesperson may accept the lawnmower since it's not cash is indeed not true because accepting such gifts can create ethical dilemmas and potential violations of agency relationships.

In real estate practice, any value offered by a seller to a cooperating salesperson can raise concerns about propriety and impartiality. Many states have specific laws and regulations governing how compensation and gifts are handled to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparency. Therefore, accepting a non-monetary gift like a lawnmower could still be viewed as inappropriate or could violate agency obligations, as it can influence the salesperson’s behavior in a way that doesn't align with the best interests of their clients.

Reporting the incident to the listing broker helps maintain transparency and avoids any implications of impropriety. This is an expected procedure if gifts or compensation that may influence business decisions are involved.

The notion that taking the lawnmower would violate the law is also incorrect, as laws do not outright prohibit receiving gifts in real estate transactions, but rather, they require that all such memberships be disclosed to avoid ethical breaches. Similarly, stating that a salesperson could legally receive the