When working with clients who do not understand English, proper business standards help ensure that nothing is lost in translation. The real estate transaction is already complicated and full of possibilities for misunderstandings, but non-English speaking clients who must navigate an English contract may face additional challenges. The National Association of REALTORS®'s latest "Window to the Law" video addresses best practices for serving non-English speaking customers and how to prevent risks from potentially erroneous translations.

Misinterpretations do occur, and real estate professionals can be held accountable when they do. In one case, a real estate broker's license was suspended and revoked after he acted as an interpreter in a transaction. According to NAR Associate Counsel Deanne Rymarowicz in the video, he was accused of misrepresenting the provisions of the English-language agreement to French-speaking buyers.

Here are some of her suggestions for making transactions with clients who have limited English proficiency (LEP) go more smoothly:

• Make use of a translator. Be wary of Google Translate and other automated translation services. "Even if you are fluent in the other languages, consider using a third party to translate documents for the client," says Rymarowicz.

• Make a written record of it. According to Rymarowicz, an interpretation or translation agreement should clarify who will serve as the client's interpreter, their relationship to the client, and whether they will support the client through the entire transaction or only a portion of it, such as closing or the home inspection. "The agreement should also disclaim any broker liability for incorrect translations," she said.

• Look for other materials. The Environmental Protection Agency, for example, currently provides translations of its Lead-Based Paint Disclosure, which is available in 11 languages. Fannie Mae offers translations of its most important loan forms in five languages. Many state and local REALTOR® groups provide translated versions of important paperwork and contracts. NAR en Espaol provides materials in Spanish for home sellers and buyers.

• Make certain that everyone understands. "If a contract is translated, ensure that the LEP client understands that the translation is only provided to facilitate their understanding and that the transaction will be governed by the English documents," said Rymarowicz.