Opinion ID: 1993225
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Correctness Of Instructions

Text: This point was raised by the plaintiffs on the cross-appeal. The contention of the plaintiffs seems to be that the trial court erred when it failed to instruct the jury (should it find for the plaintiffs) that they were entitled under the statute to customary commissions based on the standards set forth in the local schedule of commissions and, instead, instructed the jury it should allow commissions based on the fair and reasonable value of the services performed. The argument is that there is no difference between customary commissions and commissions based on quantum meruit. Actually, it appears that the instructions permitted the jury to choose between commissions measured by the schedule and commissions based on the value of the services. We agree, had there been pertinent and relevant testimony to support it, that the jury could have been allowed to base the customary commissions authorized by law on the schedule of commissions, but we do not agree that commissions based on the schedule would in every case be the same as commissions based on quantum meruit. While the record shows that a member of the local real estate board was allowed to testify that the board had adopted a schedule of commissions to be charged in connection with the leasing of real estate and that such charges could by agreement be increased or decreased, the witness was not permitted (on the objection of the defendants) to testify that the scheduled charges were those that were customarily made for such services. Regardless of whether the instructions as far as they went were proper or improper, it is clear that the jury was not fully informed as to the law of the case. Since the jury found that brokerage commissions had been earned, the plaintiffs, in the absence of an agreement as to compensation, were entitled to customary commissions or reasonable remuneration. If there is an established custom in the locality with respect to the amount of compensation to which a broker is entitled, the law implies a promise on the part of the employer to pay the usual or customary commissions, and if no such usage or custom can be shown, a broker is entitled to the reasonable value of his services. See 12 Am.Jur.2d Brokers § 161 (1964). To that end, the plaintiffs should have been permitted to introduce evidence to show, if they could, that the schedule of commissions adopted by the local real estate board was the customary charge for the services they had performed for the defendants, and, if there was any proof to that effect, the jury should have been instructed accordingly. See Mayne v. Eig, 215 Md. 270, 137 A.2d 557 (1958). As a precaution, however, the plaintiffs (in addition to showing what they contended were the customary commissions) should also have produced evidence of the fair value of the services rendered. See Petropoulos v. Lubienski, 220 Md. 293, 152 A.2d 801 (1959). This is so because, as indicated above, there is no reason why the jury should not be advised that if it is dissatisfied with the proof of customary commissions, it may award the plaintiffs a fair and reasonable amount as the value of their services. In this case, there having been no proof of either the customary charge or the reasonable value of the services, it is obvious that the jury should not have been permitted to choose between commissions measured by the local schedule and commissions based on the fair and reasonable value of the services performed. And since it is apparent that the instructions were erroneous in part as well as inadequate, there must be a redetermination of the commissions due the plaintiffs. Ascertainment of the amount due may be submitted to the jury on simple issues as to the measures of damages with appropriate instructions as to the applicable law. Judgment affirmed as to liability and reversed and remanded for further proceedings as to damages; appellants to pay the costs.