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Practice Of Real EstateLicense LawHARD

Broker Diana lists a property and receives two offers simultaneously. The seller instructs Diana to tell both buyers that there are competing offers and to submit their 'highest and best' offers. Diana discloses the existence of competing offers as instructed but, without the seller's knowledge, also tells Buyer A the exact price offered by Buyer B, hoping Buyer A will increase their offer and close the deal quickly. Under Indiana law, which of the following most accurately describes Diana's conduct?

Correct Answer

D) Diana violated her fiduciary duty to the seller by disclosing confidential offer information without the seller's authorization

Under IC 25-34.1 and Indiana agency law, Diana owes fiduciary duties to her seller client, including the duty of confidentiality and loyalty. The seller authorized disclosure of the existence of competing offers — not the specific price terms of any offer. By disclosing Buyer B's exact offer price to Buyer A without the seller's knowledge or consent, Diana breached her fiduciary duty of confidentiality to the seller. This unauthorized disclosure could also expose Diana to IREC disciplinary action and civil liability.

Answer Options
A
Diana violated the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act only, but did not breach any duty to her seller client
B
Diana's conduct is permissible because the seller authorized her to disclose the existence of competing offers
C
Diana acted properly because disclosing competing offer information helps both parties make informed decisions and speeds up the transaction
D
Diana violated her fiduciary duty to the seller by disclosing confidential offer information without the seller's authorization

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fiduciary_dutyconfidentialitycompeting_offersseller_agencybreach_of_duty

Related Concepts

Florida real estate licenses must be renewed biennially, and sales associates have specific post-license education requirements for their first renewal.

License requirements are the mandatory qualifications—including pre-licensing education, examination, and background checks—that a person must satisfy before legally practicing real estate. These requirements are established and enforced by each state's real estate commission.

Market allocation is an illegal antitrust practice in which competing real estate brokerages agree to divide markets among themselves by geographic area, property type, or price range, thereby eliminating competition.

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