When a dual agency is established in a targeted sales transaction, the broker and their agents may not pass on any information from one party to the other relating to:
Audio Lesson
Duration: 3:01
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
the price the buyer may be willing to pay. b. the terms of payment the seller may be willing to accept.
A is incorrect because while the buyer's maximum price is protected information, this option alone is incomplete. Dual agency restrictions apply to both parties' confidential information, not just the buyer's.
the terms of payment the seller may be willing to accept. c. Both a. and b.
B is incorrect because it only addresses the seller's terms while ignoring the buyer's price information. Dual agency limitations protect both parties equally, making this option incomplete.
Both a. and
Neither a. nor b.
D is incorrect because dual agency does impose restrictions on information sharing. The broker cannot freely pass along confidential information between the parties they represent.
Why is this correct?
Answer C is correct because California law prohibits dual agents from disclosing confidential information from either party to the other. Both the buyer's maximum price and the seller's minimum acceptable terms are considered confidential information that could be used to negotiate against the client's best interests.
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
In California real estate practice, dual agency represents one of the most complex and legally sensitive relationships a broker can enter into. This question tests your understanding of the fundamental limitations imposed on dual agents. When a broker represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction, they owe fiduciary duties to both parties, creating inherent conflicts of interest. California law strictly limits what information a dual agent can disclose between parties. The correct answer (C) reflects that dual agents cannot communicate either the buyer's maximum price or the seller's minimum acceptable terms to the other party. This protects both clients from being taken advantage of in a situation where their agent has divided loyalties. The question is challenging because it requires understanding that both pieces of information are equally protected, and that dual agency isn't simply a neutral role but one with significant limitations on information flow.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
In California, dual agency occurs when a broker represents both the buyer and seller in the same transaction with informed written consent from all parties. The California Civil Code establishes that dual agents have limited fiduciary duties and cannot disclose confidential information without permission. This includes information about price, motivation, terms, and other factors that could be used to negotiate against one client's interests. The restrictions exist to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fair dealing in transactions where the broker cannot fully advocate for either party's best interests.
DTI - Don't Tell Information. Remember that dual agents cannot share confidential information between parties.
When you see a question about dual agency restrictions, think 'DTI' to recall that disclosing confidential information is prohibited.
For dual agency questions, remember that dual agents cannot share confidential information between parties. If an option suggests sharing price or terms information, it's likely incorrect.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
Imagine a broker, Sarah, represents both Mr. Johnson (seller) and the Garcia family (buyers) in a home sale. Mr. Johnson tells Sarah he'd accept $450,000 but needs to close in 30 days. The Garcias tell Sarah they can pay up to $480,000 but need 45 days to arrange financing. As a dual agent, Sarah cannot tell Mr. Johnson about the Garcias' higher price, nor can she tell the Garcias about Mr. Johnson's urgency to close. She must maintain confidentiality with both parties while facilitating the transaction neutrally.
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