Seller Agent Duties
Definition
The fiduciary obligations owed by a listing agent to the seller, including marketing the property, presenting all offers, and protecting the seller's confidential information.
Example
A listing agent receives a lowball offer. Even though the agent believes the seller will reject it, the agent MUST present the offer. Failing to present offers violates the fiduciary duty of obedience and the legal requirement to present all offers.
Exam Tip
Two critical duties: (1) Present ALL offers — even ones you think will be rejected. (2) Protect confidential info — never reveal the seller's bottom line, motivation, or personal circumstances to the buyer. These are the most commonly tested seller agent duties.
Related Agency Terms
Agency Relationship
A legal relationship in which one person (the agent) is authorized to act on behalf of another person (the principal) in business transactions with third parties.
Fiduciary Duty
The highest legal obligation of trust and confidence owed by an agent to their principal, requiring the agent to act solely in the principal's best interest.
Dual Agency
A situation where a single agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction.
Designated Agency
An arrangement where a brokerage assigns separate agents within the firm to represent the buyer and seller in the same transaction, allowing each client to have dedicated representation.
Transaction Brokerage
A non-agency relationship where the broker facilitates a real estate transaction without representing either party, owing limited duties of honesty, fairness, and competence to both.
Agency by Estoppel
An agency relationship created when a principal's actions or words lead a third party to reasonably believe that an agent has authority, and the principal fails to correct this belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Test Your Agency Knowledge
Practice with exam-style questions to make sure you can apply Seller Agent Duties and other agency concepts.