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James is a Maryland licensee representing a buyer who is purchasing a farm property in Talbot County. A portion of the farm lies within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. The seller's disclosure statement does not mention the Critical Area. James discovers this fact during his due diligence review. What is James's most appropriate course of action?

Correct Answer

B) Disclose the Critical Area status to his buyer client and recommend that the buyer investigate the impact of Critical Area restrictions on the intended use of the farm.

James, as the buyer's agent, owes fiduciary duties to his buyer client, including the duty to disclose all known material facts. The fact that a portion of the farm lies within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area is a material fact that could significantly affect the buyer's intended agricultural use of the property. James must disclose this information to his client and recommend further investigation to understand the specific restrictions that apply. This is consistent with the Maryland Real Estate Brokers Act and the Critical Area disclosure obligations.

Answer Options
A
Proceed with the transaction without raising the issue, since the seller's disclosure is the seller's responsibility and James has no duty to correct it.
B
Disclose the Critical Area status to his buyer client and recommend that the buyer investigate the impact of Critical Area restrictions on the intended use of the farm.
C
Report the seller's failure to disclose to MREC immediately and place the transaction on hold pending investigation.
D
Advise the buyer that Critical Area restrictions only apply to residential properties, so the farm is not affected.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

chesapeake_baycritical_areabuyer_agentfiduciary_dutymaterial_facttalbot_countyagricultural_property

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