EstatePass
AgencyAgency_typesHARD

Agent Victor in Idaho represents buyer couple Mike and Susan under a written buyer representation agreement. Mike and Susan are interested in a property listed by a different brokerage entirely. During negotiations, the listing agent tells Victor that the seller will not accept any offer below $485,000 — the seller's true bottom line. Victor does not disclose this to Mike and Susan, believing it to be confidential seller information. Mike and Susan submit an offer at $470,000 and the deal falls through. Which statement most accurately describes Victor's conduct under Idaho agency law?

Correct Answer

B) Victor violated his fiduciary duty to Mike and Susan by failing to disclose material information that could have directly affected their offer strategy

As Mike and Susan's buyer's agent, Victor owes them a fiduciary duty of full disclosure of all material information — including information he learns during negotiations that could affect their decision-making. The seller's true minimum acceptable price ($485,000) is highly material information: had Mike and Susan known it, they could have submitted an offer at or above that threshold and likely closed the deal. The fact that the listing agent shared this information does not make it confidential as against Victor's own clients. Victor's duty of loyalty and full disclosure runs to Mike and Susan, not to the seller or listing agent.

Answer Options
A
Victor acted correctly because the seller's minimum price is confidential information belonging to the seller, and Victor had no right to use or disclose it
B
Victor violated his fiduciary duty to Mike and Susan by failing to disclose material information that could have directly affected their offer strategy
C
Victor acted correctly because disclosing the seller's bottom line would have constituted a breach of the listing agent's confidentiality
D
Victor violated Idaho law only if he had a written agreement requiring him to disclose all information shared by other agents

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Agency Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Agency

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Agency

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Agency Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fiduciary_dutiesbuyer_agencyfull_disclosurematerial_informationduty_of_loyalty

Related Concepts

The extent of power and actions an agent is authorized to perform on behalf of the principal, as defined by the agency agreement.

The fiduciary obligations owed by a listing agent to the seller, including marketing the property, presenting all offers, and protecting the seller's confidential information.

A practice where the agent or brokerage represents only one party in a transaction — either the buyer or the seller, but never both.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Agency Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Agency Questions

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing