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A buyer's agent is showing a residential property in Marshfield, Massachusetts to her client. The listing sheet does not mention wetlands, but the agent notices a marshy area at the rear of the lot and suspects the property may be subject to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. The buyer is interested in adding a garage in the rear yard. Which of the following actions best reflects the agent's obligations under Massachusetts law?

Correct Answer

B) Disclose the observed condition to the buyer and recommend consulting the local Conservation Commission or a wetlands specialist before making an offer

Under MGL Chapter 93A and the licensee's fiduciary and statutory duties, a Massachusetts real estate agent who observes a condition that may materially affect the value or use of a property must disclose that observation to the buyer client. The agent should inform the buyer of the potential wetlands issue and recommend appropriate due diligence, such as consulting the local Conservation Commission's wetlands maps or retaining a wetlands specialist, before making an offer. This protects the buyer's interests and fulfills the agent's duty of disclosure.

Answer Options
A
Advise the buyer that wetlands issues are solely the seller's responsibility to disclose and proceed with the showing without further comment
B
Disclose the observed condition to the buyer and recommend consulting the local Conservation Commission or a wetlands specialist before making an offer
C
Refuse to show the property until the seller provides a written wetlands determination from MassDEP
D
Assure the buyer that a garage can be built anywhere on the lot as long as it complies with local zoning setback requirements

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

wetlands_protection_actbuyer_agencydisclosure_obligationsmgl_93aconservation_commission

Related Concepts

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