Brokerage Policy

Effective date: September 12, 2026

1. Why this page exists

Brokerage relationships determine what a licensee owes you. Buyers frequently do not know which relationship they are in, and the answer changes what can be said to them and on their behalf. This page states our standing policy. It is general information, not a substitute for the written disclosures and agreements that govern a specific transaction.

The Exit Strategy Group, LLC holds a Florida real estate brokerage license and is regulated under Chapter 475, Florida Statutes, and by the Florida Real Estate Commission of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

2. Authorized brokerage relationships

Section 475.278, Florida Statutes, authorizes three brokerage relationships: transaction broker, single agent, and no brokerage relationship. Under the statute, it is presumed that all licensees are operating as transaction brokers unless a single agent or no brokerage relationship is established, in writing, with a customer.

3. Transaction broker duties

As a transaction broker, we provide limited representation to a buyer, a seller, or both, but do not represent either in a fiduciary capacity or as an advocate. The statutory duties are:

• Dealing honestly and fairly
• Accounting for all funds
• Using skill, care, and diligence in the transaction
• Disclosing all known facts that materially affect the value of residential real property and are not readily observable to the buyer
• Presenting all offers and counteroffers in a timely manner, unless a party has previously directed the licensee otherwise in writing
• Limited confidentiality, unless waived in writing by a party
• Any additional duties that are mutually agreed to with a party

What limited confidentiality means

Limited confidentiality prevents disclosure that the seller will accept a price less than the asking or listed price, that the buyer will pay a price greater than the price submitted in a written offer, of the motivation of any party for selling or buying, that a seller or buyer will agree to financing terms other than those offered, or of any other information a party has requested remain confidential.

4. Single agent duties

Where a single agent relationship is established in writing, the duties are:

• Dealing honestly and fairly
• Loyalty
• Confidentiality
• Obedience
• Full disclosure
• Accounting for all funds
• Using skill, care, and diligence in the transaction
• Presenting all offers and counteroffers in a timely manner, unless directed otherwise in writing
• Disclosing all known facts that materially affect the value of residential real property and are not readily observable

A single agent may not also represent the other party in the same transaction. Where a transition to transaction broker is contemplated, Florida law requires your prior written consent.

5. No brokerage relationship

Where no brokerage relationship exists, the duties owed are limited to dealing honestly and fairly, disclosing all known facts that materially affect the value of residential real property and are not readily observable to the buyer, and accounting for all funds entrusted to the licensee.

6. Business enterprise transactions

Under Section 475.278(5), the written brokerage relationship disclosure requirements do not apply to dispositions of any interest in business enterprises or business opportunities, except for property with four or fewer residential units. Much of our work falls in that category.

We publish this policy anyway. Whether or not a written disclosure is legally required for a given engagement, we tell you which relationship you are in before we begin, and we put the relationship, the scope, and the compensation in a written engagement agreement.

7. Representation and conflicts

The Deal Strategy Co. serves buyers in acquisition transactions. Our sell-side practice operates under a separate brand, The Exit Strategy Co. Both are brands of The Exit Strategy Group, LLC.

• Where a buyer we work with is interested in a business listed by our sell-side practice, we disclose that fact in writing before proceeding, and we will not act as a single agent for both sides of the same transaction.
• Where a conflict cannot be managed with disclosure and consent, we decline the engagement and tell you why.
• An independent Deal Review is not performed on a transaction in which this firm is acting as a broker for the seller.

8. Fees and compensation

• Fee for service. Advisory and Deal Review engagements are quoted as a flat fee or a defined scope fee, agreed in writing before work begins.
• Not contingent on closing. Deal Review fees are earned for the work performed. The finding does not affect the fee, and a recommendation not to proceed is a complete engagement.
• Brokerage compensation. Where we act as a licensee and a commission or transaction-based fee applies, the amount, the source, and the timing are disclosed in the written engagement agreement before the transaction proceeds.
• Referral and third-party compensation. We disclose in writing any compensation we would receive from a lender, an intermediary, or another service provider in connection with your transaction. We do not accept undisclosed compensation from a party on the other side of your deal.
• No dual fee without consent. We do not collect a fee from both a buyer and a seller in the same transaction without the written consent of both.

9. Confidentiality and NDAs

• Before materials move. We use a mutual non-disclosure agreement before confidential business information is exchanged, and we expect intermediaries and sellers to do the same.
• Secure channels. Financial statements, tax returns, customer lists, and offering materials are exchanged through a secure data room or encrypted transfer, not through the contact form or unencrypted email.
• Your search stays yours. We do not disclose which targets you are evaluating, what you have offered, what you would be willing to pay, or your motivation, except as you direct in writing or as required by law.
• Need-to-know access. Access is limited to personnel working on your engagement.
• After the engagement. Confidentiality obligations survive the end of an engagement and apply whether or not a transaction closes, subject to records we are required to retain under Chapter 475.
• Limits. Confidentiality does not extend to information that is public, that we already lawfully held, or that we are compelled to disclose by law, subpoena, or a regulator. Where we are permitted to, we will notify you before disclosing.

How personal information is handled is addressed in our Privacy Policy.

10. What we are not

We are not your attorney, your accountant, or your lender, and nothing we provide is legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. A Deal Review is not a certified business valuation, a quality of earnings engagement, an audit, or a fairness opinion, and it should not be used where one of those is required. We do not guarantee any transaction outcome, any level of business performance, or the accuracy of information supplied to us by a seller or an intermediary. Retain qualified legal, tax, and accounting counsel for any transaction.

11. Questions and complaints

Questions about this policy or about the brokerage relationship in your transaction may be submitted through our contact form. Complaints regarding a Florida real estate licensee may also be filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate.