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Agency PracticeFiduciary DutiesHARD

In a state whose law allows an agent to act for both the vendor and the purchaser with disclosure and consent (NSW, Queensland and SA do not), an agent doing so is told in confidence by the purchaser that their maximum budget is $50,000 above their current offer. What should the agent do?

Correct Answer

C) Keep the purchaser's budget confidential and not disclose it to the vendor

In dual agency the agent owes confidentiality to both parties, so information one party gives in confidence cannot be passed to the other, directly or by using it to shape a counter-offer. Several states restrict or prohibit an agent acting for both parties in the one transaction, which is one reason dual agency is rare in residential sales.

Answer Options
A
Tell the vendor the purchaser's maximum budget, since the vendor is the original client
B
Suggest the vendor counter at the purchaser's maximum without saying where it came from
C
Keep the purchaser's budget confidential and not disclose it to the vendor
D
Disclose it only if the vendor asks directly about the purchaser's budget

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

dual agencyconfidentialityfiduciary dutydisclosureconflict of interest
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