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Laws Of Agency Fiduciary DutiesListing_agreementsMEDIUM

Under California real estate law, a licensed broker who actively solicits another broker's exclusive listing clients and encourages them to cancel their existing listing agreements may face which of the following consequences?

Correct Answer

B) Civil liability for damages and potential DRE disciplinary action for tortious interference with a contractual relationship

Actively inducing a party to breach an existing contract — here, a valid exclusive listing agreement — constitutes tortious interference with a contractual relationship under California common law. The competing broker can face civil liability for damages caused by the interference. Separately, such conduct may violate California Business and Professions Code Section 10176 or 10177, exposing the licensee to DRE disciplinary action regardless of NAR membership status.

Answer Options
A
No legal consequence, provided the solicited seller voluntarily agrees to cancel the existing listing
B
Civil liability for damages and potential DRE disciplinary action for tortious interference with a contractual relationship
C
Disciplinary action only if the competing broker is a NAR member subject to the Code of Ethics
D
License suspension only if the solicitation results in an actual cancellation of the listing agreement

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

tortious_interferenceexclusive_listingsolicitationprofessional_ethics

Related Concepts

In real estate, a client is someone to whom the agent owes fiduciary duties through an agency relationship, while a customer is a third party to whom the agent owes only honesty and fair dealing.

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.

A situation where a single agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction.

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