An agent learns confidential information about their client's financial difficulties during a listing presentation. Later, while showing the property to buyers, what should the agent do with this information?
Correct Answer
C) Keep the information confidential indefinitely
Code of Ethics s. 12 (O. Reg. 365/22) bars a registrant from disclosing a client's confidential information to a third party without the client's written consent, unless the law authorizes or requires it. The rule has no time limit, so the information stays confidential after the listing or the deal ends. Neither exception applies to buyers at a showing.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Keeping the information confidential applies Code of Ethics s. 12. Buyers are third parties, the seller has not consented in writing, and no law requires the disclosure. Because s. 12 has no time limit, the duty continues after the listing or the transaction ends, which is what 'indefinitely' captures.
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