Maria is a Connecticut-licensed salesperson representing the Hendersons as their buyer's agent. During a showing, she notices that the listing agent is also the listing broker's spouse. Maria suspects the property may be overpriced but does not research comparable sales before advising her clients to submit a full-price offer. Which fiduciary duty has Maria most likely violated?
Correct Answer
D) Reasonable care, by failing to investigate and provide competent pricing advice
Maria violated the fiduciary duty of reasonable care by failing to research comparable sales before advising her buyer clients on pricing. Under Connecticut agency law, a buyer's agent must exercise the skill, diligence, and competence of a trained real estate professional, which includes conducting or obtaining market analysis to support pricing recommendations. Failing to do so constitutes a breach of the duty of reasonable care.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
A relationship where a listing broker authorizes other brokers to act as agents of the seller, extending the seller's agency relationship to cooperating brokers.
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.
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