A special agent (also called a limited agent) is authorized to perform a single, specific act or transaction- such as assisting in the purchase or sale of a property.
Real estate brokers and salespersons generally act as special agents, with limited authority defined in the brokerage agreement.
They may not bind their clients to contracts without express permission.
This principle appears in the Law of Agency module and is contrasted with general agents (brokers' affiliated licensees) and universal agents (power-of-attorney representatives).
Reference (Maryland Source):
- Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Law of Agency section.
- Business Occupations and Professions Article 17-530 - 17-534.

Maryland's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for real estate licensees is promulgated in COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) under the real estate subtitle, but enforcement rests with the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC). The Commission investigates complaints and may impose sanctions (education, fines, suspension, revocation) for violations. REALTOR associations enforce the NAR Code of Ethics, which is separate and contractual to membership, not the state's legal code.
References: Maryland 60-Hour Course: "Maryland License Law and Regulations (MREC Rules)" (discipline and enforcement authority); COMAR 09.11.02 (Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice); Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 17 (powers of the Commission).

Once a building permit is issued, the local building department monitors the construction process through inspections at key stages (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final).
The purpose of these inspections is to ensure that work complies with state and local building codes and safety standards.
Maryland's pre-licensing course explains that certified building inspectors-not peers or the builder-conduct these inspections.
Only after passing all required inspections will the department issue a certificate of occupancy (CO) confirming code compliance and permitting lawful use of the structure.
Reference:
Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course - "Land Use Controls and Property Development" Module Maryland Building Performance Standards (COMAR Title 09, Subtitle 12, Chapter 51).

A listing agreement is a legally binding contract between a seller and a licensed real estate broker that establishes the broker's authority to market the property and represent the seller's interests in finding a ready, willing, and able buyer.
It outlines the terms of representation, including price, commission, duration, and the duties of both parties.
The agreement does not guarantee a sale; rather, it ensures mutual understanding of responsibilities and compensation should a sale occur.
This principle is covered in the Listing Agreements and Buyer Representation module.
Reference (Maryland Source):
- Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course, Listing Agreements and Brokerage Contracts section.
- Business Occupations and Professions Article 17-534.

Under Maryland Business Occupations and Professions Article 17-322 and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 09.11.02, the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC) may impose disciplinary action on a licensee who violates license law or the Commission's Code of Ethics. Sanctions can include a formal reprimand, monetary fine, license suspension, or license revocation. Imprisonment does not apply to ethical or administrative violations unless accompanied by criminal fraud. Each case is reviewed individually by the Commission.
Reference:Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices Course - "Fair Housing and Ethics" Module; Maryland Business Occupations and Professions 17-322; COMAR 09.11.02.33 (Disciplinary Actions).