Under California fiduciary duty principles, which of the following best describes a real estate agent's obligation regarding confidential client information?
Correct Answer
A) The agent must not disclose confidential information without the client's consent, except where disclosure is required by law
California fiduciary duty principles require agents to maintain strict confidentiality of client information — such as a seller's minimum acceptable price or a buyer's maximum budget — and prohibit disclosure without the client's consent. A narrow exception exists where disclosure is required by law, such as the mandatory disclosure of known material defects under Civil Code §1102 et seq. The duty of confidentiality does not yield simply because disclosure might benefit the transaction.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
Mold disclosure involves informing buyers about the presence of mold or conditions that are conducive to mold growth in a property. While no federal mold disclosure law exists, many states require disclosure of known mold issues.
A property condition disclosure is a written statement by the seller detailing the known condition of the property, including defects, repairs, and issues with major systems. Most states require sellers to complete this form.
Protected classes are groups of people who are legally shielded from discrimination based on specific characteristics.
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- → A California salesperson's personal real estate blog states, 'I closed 50 transactions last year!' The actual number was 32. A competing agent reports this to the DRE. What is the most likely regulatory outcome?
- → A seller is selling a condominium in a California common interest development (CID). In addition to the TDS, which disclosure package is the seller required to provide under California Civil Code §4525?
- → A seller completing the Transfer Disclosure Statement in California must disclose various property conditions. All of the following must be disclosed on the TDS EXCEPT:
- → Under California Civil Code §1102, what is the primary purpose of the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) in a residential sale?
- → A California listing agent receives a third-party NHD report confirming the property is in a Seismic Hazard Zone. The report also includes a supplemental notation indicating the property lies within a tsunami inundation zone per California Geological Survey mapping. The seller asks the agent whether the tsunami risk must be disclosed to the buyer. Which of the following is the most accurate statement of the agent's disclosure obligation under current California law (effective January 1, 2025)?
- → A property in a California Mello-Roos district has a base Proposition 13 property tax of 1% on its assessed value of $600,000, plus a Mello-Roos special tax of $3,200 per year. What is the total annual property tax bill for this property?
- → A California buyer's agent conducts a visual inspection of a property and observes extensive, recently applied caulking around all window frames and along the base of the exterior walls. What is the buyer's agent's most appropriate next step?
- → A California buyer's agent conducts a visual inspection and notices that the property's water heater is not strapped to the wall as required by California law for seismic safety. Under California Health and Safety Code §19211, water heaters must be braced. What should the buyer's agent do?
- → Tenant died in apartment unit two years ago. Landlord discloses death to prospective tenant, mentioning AIDS-related cause. Which statement is correct?
- → A homeowner in a California Mello-Roos district wants to pay off the remaining Mello-Roos bond obligation on their property. The outstanding principal balance of the bonds allocated to the property is $35,000, and the CFD charges a 3% prepayment premium. What is the total payoff amount?
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