During a visual inspection of a listed property, a California listing agent observes that the deck appears to be improperly attached to the structure. The seller states the deck has been that way for years without incident. Which of the following best describes the agent's disclosure obligation?
Correct Answer
B) The agent must disclose the observation as a material finding, regardless of the seller's characterization of the condition
Under California Civil Code §2079, a listing agent has an independent duty to conduct a reasonably competent and diligent visual inspection of the property and disclose all material facts that the inspection reveals. An improperly attached deck is a potential safety hazard and constitutes a material fact. The agent's disclosure obligation is independent of the seller's opinion — the seller's assurance that the condition has 'never been a problem' does not satisfy or override the agent's statutory duty.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
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.
The legal principle that holds a broker responsible for the actions of their agents and employees performed within the scope of the agency relationship.
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.
More Laws Of Agency Fiduciary Duties Questions
A property sold for $450,000. The commission rate was 6%. If the listing broker received 60% of the total commission, how much did the listing broker receive?
An individual who is not employed by the client, but has been delegated agency duties by an agent of the client, is referred to as a(n):
What are the three steps of the agency disclosure in proper chronological order?
An agent needs to disclose a conflict of interest to the affected parties when a principal or service provider in the transaction is the agent’s:
A broker who simultaneously represents the best interests of both opposing parties in a transaction is known as a(n):
- → When showing a listed residential property of one to four dwelling units to potential buyers, the listing broker is required to disclose:
- → Broker fees deposited with the broker before they are earned are called:
- → A real estate broker is subject to disciplinary action from the Department of Real Estate (DRE) if they:
- → The seller states they will accept the buyer’s offer if the broker lowers their 6% commission by 25%. If the broker accepts, they will receive:
- → When a broker wants to store documents electronically, the storage method may not allow the final documents to be altered. What method of electronic document storage is required by the Department of Real Estate (DRE)?
- → A broker receives a full price offer on a house they are listing. Before they present the offer to the seller, another broker brings in an all cash offer for $5,000 less. The listing broker is to:
- → A seller’s broker needs to disclose:
- → Broker Chuck listed a duplex for sale from a corporate owner. After entering into the listing, the officers of the corporation die in a plane crash. What happens to the listing?
- → If a 16-year-old emancipated minor wishes to sell real property, their broker may:
- → A broker who fails to promptly disclose their dual agency status is subject to:
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