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Broker Theresa's salesperson, Paul, listed a property for Seller Olivia. During the listing period, Paul discovered that the property had significant undisclosed foundation issues that Olivia had not included in the property disclosure document. Olivia instructed Paul to say nothing to potential buyers, claiming the defects were minor. Paul, fearing he would lose the listing, remained silent when a buyer asked about the property's condition. Under Louisiana license law, which of the following most accurately describes Paul's legal and professional obligations and the consequences of his silence?

Correct Answer

C) Paul violated Louisiana license law by failing to disclose a known material defect to the prospective buyer; his duty to disclose known material defects overrides the seller's instruction to remain silent, and he may face LREC disciplinary action

Under Louisiana license law and LREC regulations, a licensee has an independent duty to disclose known material defects to prospective buyers, regardless of which party the licensee represents. This duty exists even when the licensee is acting as the seller's agent. A seller's instruction to conceal a known material defect is not a 'lawful instruction' — it is an instruction to violate the law. Paul's silence constitutes active concealment of a material defect, which violates his obligations under La. R.S. 37:1430 et seq. and may result in LREC disciplinary action including license suspension or revocation.

Answer Options
A
Paul was correct to remain silent because his duty of loyalty to the seller-client required him to follow the seller's lawful instructions, and non-disclosure of defects is the seller's responsibility, not the agent's
B
Paul violated his duty to the buyer by concealing a known material defect; however, since Paul was representing the seller, he cannot be disciplined by the LREC for prioritizing the seller's interests
C
Paul violated Louisiana license law by failing to disclose a known material defect to the prospective buyer; his duty to disclose known material defects overrides the seller's instruction to remain silent, and he may face LREC disciplinary action
D
Paul's silence was permissible because the seller, not the agent, is solely responsible for completing the property disclosure document under the Louisiana Residential Property Disclosure Act

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

material_defect_disclosureseller_agent_dutyfiduciary_dutydisciplinary_actionproperty_disclosure

Related Concepts

Advertising regulations govern how real estate licensees may market properties and services, requiring truthful, non-deceptive advertising that includes proper identification of the brokerage.

Antitrust violations in real estate occur when competing brokerages or agents engage in practices that restrain trade, reduce competition, or harm consumers through collusion. These violations are governed by the Sherman Antitrust Act and can result in severe penalties.

Broker supervision is the legal obligation of a designated or managing broker to oversee and be accountable for the real estate activities of all salespersons and associate brokers operating under their license.

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