An agent who exceeds the authority granted by the principal:
Audio Lesson
Duration: 3:27
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
Automatically terminates the agency
Agency does not automatically terminate when an agent exceeds authority. The agency relationship continues unless properly terminated by agreement, expiration, or operation of law. Unauthorized acts create liability issues rather than termination of the agency itself.
May be personally liable
Is protected by the principal
The principal is not obligated to protect an agent who exceeds their authority. In fact, the principal may seek indemnification from the agent for any losses resulting from unauthorized acts. Protection only exists when the agent acts within their authorized scope.
Creates a new agency
An agent who exceeds authority does not create a new agency. They simply act outside their existing authority. A new agency would require mutual consent and agreement between principal and agent, which doesn't occur through unauthorized acts.
Why is this correct?
When an agent acts beyond their authority, they may become personally liable for damages. The principal is not bound by unauthorized acts unless they ratify them. This is a fundamental principle of agency law that protects principals from unintended obligations while holding agents accountable for exceeding their authorized scope.
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
Understanding agency authority is crucial in real estate practice because it directly impacts liability and contractual obligations. When an agent acts within their actual authority (either express, implied, or apparent), the principal is bound by those actions. However, when an agent exceeds this authority, they step outside the protective scope of their agency relationship. This question tests your understanding of the consequences of such unauthorized acts. The correct answer is B because when an agent exceeds their authority, they may become personally liable for any damages that result. This is particularly challenging for students because it requires distinguishing between the agent's actions that bind the principal versus those that create personal liability. Many students confuse this with termination of the agency (A) or assume the principal would protect the agent (C). This concept connects to broader real estate knowledge about agency relationships, fiduciary duties, and risk management in transactions.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
Agency authority in real estate is categorized into three types: express authority (specifically granted), implied authority (reasonably necessary to carry out express authority), and apparent authority (when the principal's actions lead a third party to reasonably believe the agent has authority). When an agent exceeds these boundaries, they commit a tort known as 'ultra vires' acts. The principal generally isn't bound by such acts, but there are exceptions, such as when the principal ratifies the unauthorized act or when the third party reasonably believed the agent had authority. This principle exists to balance the needs of commerce with the protection of principals who delegate authority to agents.
Think of an agent's authority as a circle drawn around them. Inside the circle, the principal protects the agent. Outside the circle, the agent is on their own.
When encountering questions about agency authority, visualize this circle. If the agent's action falls outside the circle, they may face personal liability.
Remember that agents who exceed their authority may face personal liability, but agency relationships don't automatically terminate. Look for keywords like 'exceeds authority' or 'beyond scope' to identify this concept.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
A listing agent, authorized to market a property at $450,000, tells a prospective buyer they can accept $400,000 without consulting the seller. The seller later refuses this offer. The agent could be personally liable to the buyer for any damages resulting from this unauthorized price reduction. The buyer might sue the agent for breach of contract or misrepresentation, as the agent exceeded their express authority by agreeing to a lower price without principal approval.
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