Responsibilities in The Relationship

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Questions and Answers

What triggers the requirement for agency disclosure?

  • First substantive contact with the customer (correct)
  • The signature of an agency agreement
  • The initiation of negotiation on property price
  • The presentation of a property listing

What is the role of informed consent in agency relationships?

  • It mandates the use of written contracts only
  • It ensures that the client is fully informed before agreeing to the relationship (correct)
  • It eliminates the need for any agency disclosures
  • It allows a client to enter into a relationship without understanding it entirely

What is included in the Pennsylvania Consumer Notice?

  • A list of all properties available for sale
  • An overview of agency relationships and duties owed to consumers (correct)
  • A price list of real estate transactions
  • Exclusive agreements with buyers only

What must a licensee do upon providing the Pennsylvania Consumer Notice?

<p>Get an acknowledgment of receipt from the consumer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What duty does Buyer Agent Earl owe to Listing Broker Bob regarding Suzy's financial condition?

<p>Disclosure of material facts only (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about dual agents is true?

<p>They must disclose their dual agency status to both parties (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the duty of honest and fair dealing?

<p>Avoiding any misrepresentation of material facts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the duties that a principal owes to an agent?

<p>Compensation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a duty of a seller agent?

<p>Keep all buyer information confidential (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum duration a licensee must keep the Consumer Notice form?

<p>Six months (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the duty of reasonable care/skill entail for an agent?

<p>Meeting the expectations of all licensed professionals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a principal to cooperate with their agent?

<p>To ensure the agent can fulfill their fiduciary duties (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about agency relationships is accurate?

<p>Consumers deserve to know about existing agency relationships (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the principal's duty of indemnification involve?

<p>Protecting the agent from liability when acting on the principal's behalf (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If first contact is made via phone, what is the licensee's obligation?

<p>Ensure to give a verbal overview and commit to provide a physical copy later (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a duty that an agent owes to their client?

<p>Honesty and Fair Dealing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component must be included in an acknowledgment section of the Consumer Notice?

<p>A statement that signing is optional and not a contract (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the agency relationship, which party is responsible for providing direction and making the property accessible for showings?

<p>The principal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What risk does failure to disclose potential conflicts of interest pose?

<p>It could jeopardize the agency relationship and lead to ethical issues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'caveat emptor' imply in real estate transactions?

<p>The buyer must be wary and responsible for their own due diligence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action can create a conflict of interest in agency relationships?

<p>Representing both buyer and seller without disclosure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding the duties owed to a customer compared to a client?

<p>Duties owed to customers are fewer and differ significantly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance might agency disclosure need to be repeated?

<p>If there is a change in the agency relationship (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must a license holder disclose before entering an agency relationship in a transaction?

<p>Any ownership interest in the subject property (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under the Pennsylvania Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA), when must a licensee provide written disclosure of interests?

<p>When they have an ownership interest in the property (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required to be disclosed by a licensee?

<p>Past failures in similar transactions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of agency disclosure?

<p>To clarify agency relationships or conflicts of interest (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a material fact in a real estate transaction?

<p>Any fact that could influence a buyer’s decision (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the disclosure of a seller's financial condition important in a transaction?

<p>To influence negotiations and pricing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the duty of confidentiality in a fiduciary relationship?

<p>To keep private information shared by the client secret. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a buyer's financial condition is overshared in a transaction?

<p>It could weaken the buyer’s position in negotiations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an exception to the confidentiality rule?

<p>Information requested by a competitor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is it appropriate for a buyer's agent to disclose financial capability?

<p>When presenting an offer to the seller (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long must a license holder keep financial records related to real estate transactions?

<p>Three years. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a client's role in a transaction?

<p>A party being represented (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is commingling in the context of fiduciary duties?

<p>Mixing personal funds with the client's funds. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the duties owed to clients differ from those owed to customers?

<p>Duties to customers are less formal and less comprehensive (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What duty is expected of a license holder concerning reasonable skill, care, and diligence?

<p>To employ expertise on the client's behalf. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What obligation does a licensee have when a potential conflict of interest arises?

<p>Disclose it within a reasonable time after learning of it (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship must a licensee disclose if representing more than one party?

<p>The fact that they represent multiple parties (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which obligation do agents have towards customers and third parties?

<p>Disclosure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do third parties play in real estate transactions?

<p>They come in supportive roles outside the transaction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should agents do if a client asks them to share confidential information?

<p>Get the request in writing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for sellers to disclose the condition of the property?

<p>To create an environment of informed consent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under which scenario would an agent NOT be violating confidentiality?

<p>Disclosing property condition facts to potential buyers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes agency disclosure from full disclosure?

<p>Agency disclosure pertains to informing customers who the agent represents. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk if an agent fails to demonstrate reasonable skill and care?

<p>The agent could be held liable for negligence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions represents a breach of the fiduciary duty of accounting?

<p>Using a client's funds for personal expenses. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is confidentiality considered a lasting responsibility for agents?

<p>It survives the termination of the agency relationship. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of an agent in a fiduciary relationship?

<p>To always act in the client's best interests (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the OLDCAR acronym for fiduciary duties?

<p>Responsibility (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for agents to avoid oversharing confidential information, even with permission?

<p>It could create distrust between clients and agents. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance might an agent not be required to obey a client’s instruction?

<p>If the instruction is illegal or unethical (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What essential duty does the fiduciary duty of loyalty encompass?

<p>To put the client’s interests above their own (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must an agent disclose to their client?

<p>All material facts and those they should have known (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the fiduciary duty of reasonable care involve?

<p>Diligently managing and safeguarding the client's interests (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates a violation of the duty of obedience?

<p>An agent refuses to show a property based on a client's discriminatory request (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the fiduciary relationship considered a high-trust relationship?

<p>Because the principal must fully rely on the agent's expertise and integrity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would violate the fiduciary duty of disclosure?

<p>Failing to disclose a property's history of flooding (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not adhering to fiduciary duties?

<p>Legal repercussions and loss of trust (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would an agent’s knowledge about a buyer's motivation be material?

<p>If the buyer is negotiating a lower price (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should agents do when faced with a conflict between their interests and their client’s interests?

<p>Communicate openly with their clients (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of the duty of confidentiality?

<p>Agents should never reveal client information without consent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common duty that is often overlooked when discussing fiduciary responsibilities?

<p>Accounting (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are fiduciary duties primarily based on?

<p>The common law of agency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group does an agent owe higher fiduciary duties?

<p>Their principal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required from an agent from the start of an agency relationship?

<p>Duty of disclosure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Agency disclosure typically occurs at what point in a transaction?

<p>Prior to entering an agency relationship (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of disclosure discussed?

<p>Financial cost disclosure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of fiduciary duties in real estate?

<p>To meet specific standards of trust and care (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility do agents have towards their sponsoring broker?

<p>Transparency and communication (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of disclosure in real estate transactions?

<p>It is essential from beginning to end. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fiduciary Duties

Legal duties owed by an agent (licensee) to their clients, usually involving a higher standard of care and loyalty.

Agency Relationship

A legal relationship where one party (the agent) acts on behalf of another party (the principal) with the authority to bind the principal.

Common Law of Agency

The legal principle that dictates the duties owed by an agent to their principal, customers, and third parties.

Disclosure

The duty of an agent to disclose all relevant information to their clients and other parties involved in a transaction.

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Material Facts

Information that could significantly impact a buyer's or seller's decision to proceed with a transaction.

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Agency Disclosure

Disclosures about the type of agency relationship that exists between a licensee and the parties involved in a transaction.

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First Substantive Contact

The point in time when a real estate licensee has a substantive conversation with a potential client, establishing an agency relationship.

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Informed Consent

Consent given by a client, after being fully informed about the agency relationship, to proceed with the transaction.

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Pennsylvania Consumer Notice

A state-mandated form that licensees use to disclose agency relationships to consumers, outlining different roles and responsibilities.

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Acknowledgment Section

The section within the Consumer Notice where the consumer acknowledges receipt of the form by signing and dating it.

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Seller Agent

An agent representing the seller, working exclusively in the seller's best interest, primarily to find a buyer.

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Buyer Agent

An agent representing the buyer, working exclusively for the buyer's best interest, primarily to find a property.

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Dual Agent

An agent representing both the seller and buyer in the same transaction, requiring careful disclosure of potential conflicts of interest.

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Continuous and Good Faith Effort (Seller Agent)

The licensee and their company's commitment to act diligently and honestly in representing the seller's interests.

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Continuous and Good Faith Effort (Buyer Agent)

The licensee and their company's commitment to act diligently and honestly in representing the buyer's interests.

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Confidentiality (Seller/Buyer Agent)

The agent's obligation to keep confidential information shared by the client private, except for known material defects about the property.

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Disclosure of Known Material Defects

The agent's commitment to disclose any known material defects about the property to both parties, ensuring transparency in the transaction.

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Subagent

An agent working under the supervision of a licensed broker or other principal broker, sharing the same responsibilities as the primary agent.

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Record Keeping (Consumer Notice)

The licensee's obligation to keep a copy of the completed Pennsylvania Consumer Notice for at least six months.

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Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

Transparency about any potential conflicts of interest that could impact the agent's representation of the client, a key aspect of ethical conduct.

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Disclosure of Interests

A licensee's obligation to reveal any ownership interest, personal relationships, or material facts that could affect their duties to all parties involved in a real estate transaction.

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Conflict of Interest

Situations where a licensee's position in a transaction may be compromised, potentially affecting their ability to act in the best interests of all parties.

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Buyer's Financing Ability

The ability of a buyer to secure financing for a purchase, a material fact that a seller needs to know when evaluating an offer.

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Timely Disclosure of Conflicts

The licensee's responsibility to inform all parties involved about any potential conflicts of interest as soon as they become aware of them.

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General Duty of Disclosure

The legal responsibility of a licensee to reveal all relevant information to clients and other parties in a transaction.

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Caveat Emptor

The legal principle that assumes buyers are responsible for inspecting properties and are ultimately responsible for their own purchasing decisions.

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As-Is Purchase

A real estate transaction where the property is sold in its current condition, with no warranties or guarantees.

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Disclosure of Buyer's Financial Condition

Sharing information about a buyer's financial condition or motivation that could potentially affect the seller's negotiating position.

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Disclosure of Interests

The duty of a licensee to disclose ownership interests, relationships, or material facts that could impact their duties to all parties in a transaction.

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Conflict of Interest

When a licensee has a personal interest that could potentially affect their ability to act impartially in the best interest of all parties.

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Timely Disclosure of Conflicts

The licensee's responsibility to inform all parties involved about any potential conflicts of interest as soon as they become aware of them.

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Honesty and Fair Dealing

An agent must not engage in deceptive behavior while interacting with customers or third parties.

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Reasonable Care/Skill

An agent must perform to the standards expected of all licensed real estate professionals, including interactions with customers and third parties.

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Disclosure of Material Facts to Third Parties

An agent must disclose material facts to third parties, even if they may not be disclosing everything to their client.

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Cooperation (Duty of Principal)

A principal (client) must cooperate with the agent and support their work by being available, providing direction, and ensuring property access.

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Compensation (Duty of Principal)

A principal must compensate the agent for their services according to the agency agreement.

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Indemnification (Duty of Principal)

A principal must indemnify the agent for liability incurred while acting on behalf of the principal, unless caused by gross negligence or a willful act by the agent.

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Fiduciary Duty: Obedience

The duty to follow the client's instructions in a real estate transaction, unless those instructions are illegal or unethical.

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Fiduciary Duty: Loyalty

The duty of a real estate agent to prioritize the client's best interests above all else, even over their own.

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Fiduciary Duty: Disclosure

The duty to inform the client of all material facts relevant to a real estate transaction, including those that might not be obvious.

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Fiduciary Duty: Confidentiality

The duty to keep confidential any information shared by the client, including personal details, financial information, and negotiations.

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Fiduciary Duty: Accounting

The duty to account for all funds received and disbursed on behalf of the client, including income and expenses.

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Fiduciary Duty: Reasonable Care

The duty to act with reasonable care, skill, and diligence in representing the client, using professional knowledge and expertise.

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Broker and Agent Duties

The fiduciary duties owed to the client by a broker extend to all of the broker's sponsored agents representing that client.

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Fiduciary vs. Contractual Duty

The fiduciary duties go beyond the basic requirements of contract law, aiming for the highest level of client representation.

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Trust and Confidence

Fiduciary duties are rooted in the trust and confidence the client places in the agent, who acts as their representative.

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Client's Interests First

The agent must prioritize the client's best interests, even if it means sacrificing their own.

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Illegal or Unethical Instructions

An illegal instruction from a client, such as discrimination based on race or religion, would not obligate the agent to comply.

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Setting the Listing Price

The agent must use their expertise to help the client determine the appropriate listing price, but the client has ultimate control over the price.

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Disclosing Material Facts

The agent must inform the client about any known material facts, even if those facts are not readily apparent.

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Duty to Disclose: Known and Unknown Facts

The duty to disclose extends to known material facts, as well as those the agent should have known through their due diligence.

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Scope of Disclosure

The duty to disclose applies to all information that would be relevant and beneficial to the client, including property condition, value, and any known issues.

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Confidentiality (Fiduciary Duty)

The legal responsibility of a real estate agent to keep private information shared by their client confidential. This duty applies even after the agency relationship ends.

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Commingling

Combining a client's funds with an agent's personal funds, which is illegal and a breach of fiduciary duty.

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Accounting (Fiduciary Duty)

The obligation of a real estate agent to handle their client's finances with care and transparency, ensuring proper record-keeping and separate accounts for client funds.

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Reasonable Skill/Care/Diligence

The duty of a real estate agent to use their expertise and skills ethically and diligently for the benefit of their client.

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Disclosure (Customer/Third Party Duty)

The duty of a real estate agent to disclose material facts about a property to both the buyer and seller, even without an agency relationship.

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Honesty and Fair Dealing (Customer/Third Party Duty)

The duty of a real estate agent to be honest and treat all parties fairly, regardless of whether they have an agency relationship.

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Reasonable Care/Skill (Customer/Third Party Duty)

The duty of a real estate agent to exercise reasonable care and skill in their interactions with customers and third parties, even without a formal agency agreement.

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Accounting (Customer/Third Party Duty)

The duty of a real estate agent to handle customer funds with care and transparency, ensuring proper record-keeping and separate accounts for client funds, even without an agency relationship.

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Client Instruction to Share Confidential Information

An exemption to the confidentiality rule, allowing an agent to disclose information if the client instructs them to do so.

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Legal Request for Confidential Information

An exemption to the confidentiality rule, allowing an agent to disclose information that is requested under a court order or subpoena.

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Material Facts Regarding Property Condition

An exemption to the confidentiality rule, that requires an agent to disclose material facts about a property even if they are confidential.

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Study Notes

Fiduciary Duties in Real Estate

  • Real estate professionals have varying fiduciary duties based on their interactions (client vs. customer/third party)
  • Key terms: informed consent, first substantive contact, fiduciary duties, agency disclosure, disclosure of material facts
  • Common law of agency dictates higher duties to principals (clients) than customers/third parties
  • Disclosure is a paramount duty throughout all real estate transactions, even before an agency relationship.

Agency Disclosure

  • Agency disclosure involves the licensee's transparency regarding existing agency relationships in a transaction
  • Disclosing the agency representation (seller, buyer) is crucial during initial contact.
  • First substantive contact triggers agency disclosure. Often the first face-to-face meeting.
  • Informed consent requires a client/customer to fully understand the agency relationship.

Pennsylvania Consumer Notice

  • State-mandated agency disclosure form.
  • Includes various roles, responsibilities, and duties.
  • Outlines negotiable contractual terms (within the agency agreement).
  • Acknowledgment section documents receipt by the customer/consumer
  • Should be kept on file for 6 months by the licensee.

Disclosure of Interests

  • Licensees must disclose any ownership interest or relationship to a transaction party.
  • This includes any material facts interfering with fiduciary duties.
  • Pennsylvania law mandates written disclosure if the licensee owns the property or represents multiple parties.

Disclosure of Material Facts

  • Material facts are those that could influence a buyer/seller's decision.
  • Primarily focuses on property condition (e.g. property condition, radon, encroachments).
  • Financial condition of parties can be a material fact.

Fiduciary Duties Owed to Clients (Principals)

  • Fiduciary duties exceed contract law and prioritize clients' interests.
  • OLDCAR acronym is often used to summarize key duties: Obedience, Loyalty, Disclosure, Confidentiality, Accounting, Reasonable skill/care/diligence
  • Obedience: Agents adhere to client instructions, except those illegal or unethical.
  • Loyalty: Acting in the best interests of the client, always.
  • Disclosure: Sharing all known material facts (including those a reasonable agent should know).
  • Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive information unless the client authorizes its release.
  • Accounting: Proper handling of client funds and thorough record-keeping.
  • Reasonable Skill/Care/Diligence: Providing professional competence and expertise.

Fiduciary Duties Owed to Customers/Third Parties

  • Duties include disclosure, honesty/fair dealing, reasonable skill, and accounting.
  • Disclosure involves revealing agency representation and material facts.
  • Full disclosure is reserved for clients.

Duties of Brokers and Sponsored Agents

  • Sponsored agents have same duties to principals as their broker.
  • Broker's duties to customers/third parties are shared by their agents.

Duties of the Principal to the Agent

  • Cooperation: Principals must facilitate the agency relationship (accessibility, participation).
  • Compensation: Compensation details should be clearly defined in the agreement.
  • Indemnification: Principals protect the agent from liability stemming from authorized actions (excluding gross negligence or willful wrongdoing)

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