A buyer asks a Georgia licensee whether a commercial property in Rome has mold or asbestos issues. The licensee has no specialized environmental training. How should the licensee handle this inquiry?

Correct Answer

C) Disclose any known facts about the property's condition and refer the buyer to a qualified environmental professional

Under Georgia license law and standard practice guidelines, a licensee must not make misleading statements and must communicate known material facts to clients and customers. However, licensees are not qualified to diagnose environmental conditions such as mold, asbestos, or contamination. The appropriate response is to share any facts the licensee actually knows, avoid speculation, and refer the buyer to a qualified environmental professional or inspector who can properly assess the property. This approach fulfills the licensee's disclosure duties while staying within their competence boundaries, consistent with O.C.G.A. § 43-40-25 requirements for honest dealing.