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Salesperson Derek tells a prospective buyer that a Lansing neighborhood is 'up and coming and getting safer' based on his personal impression, without any data to support the claim. The buyer purchases the home and later discovers the neighborhood's crime statistics have actually worsened. Under Michigan law, which characterization of Derek's statement is most accurate?

Correct Answer

B) A material misrepresentation of fact, which is a disciplinary violation under Michigan law

Under MCL 339.2512 and Act 299 of 1980, making false or misleading statements about material facts in a real estate transaction is a disciplinary violation. While general puffery (vague opinions like 'great neighborhood') may be permissible, a specific factual claim about a neighborhood's safety trend — especially one contradicted by actual data — can cross into material misrepresentation. Michigan exam questions treat specific false factual claims about neighborhood conditions as misrepresentation, not protected puffery.

Answer Options
A
Puffery, which is legally permissible and not a basis for disciplinary action
B
A material misrepresentation of fact, which is a disciplinary violation under Michigan law
C
A violation of the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act for steering based on neighborhood demographics
D
A breach of the duty of confidentiality owed to the seller under Michigan agency law

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

misrepresentationpufferydisciplinary_actionsmaterial_factsact_299

Related Concepts

Price fixing is an illegal antitrust practice in which competing real estate brokerages agree to charge the same commission rates, fees, or other pricing for their services. It is a per se violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Florida brokers are required to maintain transaction records and escrow records for a minimum of five years.

A tie-in arrangement is an illegal antitrust practice in which a seller conditions the purchase of one product or service on the buyer's agreement to purchase a separate product or service.

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