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Agent Paul lists a home for seller Donna in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Before Paul finds a buyer, Donna tells Paul in confidence that she is going through a divorce and must sell quickly — she would accept $20,000 below the asking price to close within 30 days. A few weeks later, buyer Greg contacts Paul directly and asks Paul to help him write an offer on Donna's property. Paul agrees to represent Greg as well. Which of the following statements correctly describes Paul's obligations under Delaware law?

Correct Answer

A) Paul must obtain informed written consent from both Donna and Greg before proceeding as a disclosed dual agent

Under 24 Del. C. § 2973, before Paul can represent both Donna and Greg in the same transaction as a disclosed dual agent, he must obtain informed written consent from ALL parties — both Donna and Greg. Critically, as a dual agent, Paul would also be prohibited from disclosing Donna's confidential information (her willingness to accept a lower price and her divorce situation) to Greg. The listing agreement alone does not authorize dual agency.

Answer Options
A
Paul must obtain informed written consent from both Donna and Greg before proceeding as a disclosed dual agent
B
Paul may represent Greg as a transaction broker while continuing as Donna's seller's agent without any additional disclosure
C
Paul may proceed as a dual agent without additional consent because Donna already signed a listing agreement
D
Paul must withdraw from representing Donna and represent only Greg, since Greg contacted him second

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

disclosed_dual_agencywritten_consentconfidentialitydual_agency_requirements

Related Concepts

An agency relationship created when a principal approves or accepts an agent's previously unauthorized actions, effectively granting authority after the fact.

The legal requirement for real estate agents to inform all parties about who they represent in a transaction, typically provided at first substantive contact.

A legal relationship in which one person (the agent) is authorized to act on behalf of another person (the principal) in business transactions with third parties.

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