Agent Comments or Agent Messages are often used to alert processors that an agent has a garnishment. It is important to realize the functionality of both Agent Comments and Agent Messages when determining the best possible alert option. Agent Comments do not automatically display when an agent is selected to be paid on a sale. There is a function key available to display the comments but the processor must invoke that function key to see the comments. Agent Messages are governed by Real Estate Parameter Options. They can display automatically when adding new sales contracts, closing sales, doing agent adjustments and processing agent receivables, however, the parameter options must be set in order to do so. Most clients elect to set the parameters for Agent Messages to display automatically in all of these areas and use Agent Messages to alert processors to garnishments rather than using Agent Comments.

Garnishments can be set up to automatically display for the agent when closing a sale through the Recurring Pay/Ded (Comm Proc) option. This is another safeguard to ensure that garnishments are taken when paying an agent for a closing. The Recurring Pay/Ded (Comm Proc) option allows you to set up deductions for items that are only charged to an agent when they have a closing such as garnishments or transactional deductions. There are many options for calculating these items from flat dollar amounts to percentages based upon the agents company dollar, gross commission, net commission, commission plus bonus, commission plus referral, or commission plus bonus and referral. Many different limit options are also available.

The challenge lies in knowing an agent has a garnishment when paying them through modules other than Real Estate. For example, when paying for items such as Broker Price Opinions (BPO’s), Home Warranties, or even pass through bonuses processed as Miscellaneous Transactions on closings. One option is available that will print a message on your check register if the agent has a garnishment. Regardless of how the payables were created, this can serve as the final warning before printing agent checks.

Use Real Estate, File Maintenance, Agent File, Additional Agent Options or Flag an Agent for Garnishment option (RE-1-6-40-1) to print the message on the check register. The message, ***This Agent has Garnishments, will print on the left side of the check register under the agents name between the items to be included on the check and the check total.

There is also a report available showing the agents who are currently flagged for garnishments. Use Real Estate, Agent General Reports, Miscellaneous Lists, Garnishment List (RE-5-50-7).