An agent's spouse is interested in purchasing a property that the agent has listed. What steps must the agent take?
Correct Answer
C) Disclose the relationship to the seller and obtain written consent before proceeding
Any personal interest or relationship that could affect the agent's judgment must be disclosed to the client. The seller must give informed written consent before the agent can proceed with representing them in a sale to the agent's spouse.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option C is correct because Canadian real estate legislation requires agents to disclose any material conflict of interest that could affect their professional judgment. When an agent's spouse is the potential buyer, this creates a clear conflict between the agent's fiduciary duty to the seller and personal interests. TRESA, RESA, and provincial regulations mandate disclosure of such relationships and require written informed consent from the client before proceeding. This ensures transparency and allows the seller to make an informed decision about continuing with the agent despite the conflict.
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