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Broker Diane runs a large firm in Hattiesburg, Mississippi with 12 affiliated salespersons. Salesperson Mark represents buyer Kim, and salesperson Tara represents seller Bob — both in the same transaction. Diane has not personally participated in representing either party. Kim and Bob both signed designated agency consent forms at the start of the transaction. During negotiations, Mark learns from Kim that she is willing to pay $15,000 more than her current offer. Tara then asks Mark directly for any information that might help the seller. Under Mississippi law, which of the following is most accurate?

Correct Answer

C) Mark must protect Kim's confidential information because designated agency preserves full fiduciary duties to each agent's respective client

Under Mississippi agency law (Miss. Code Ann. §73-35-21 et seq.), designated agency is specifically designed to allow licensees within the same firm to represent different parties while each preserving full fiduciary duties to their respective client. Mark owes Kim the full fiduciary duties of loyalty and confidentiality, identical to what he would owe if they were in separate firms. The fact that Mark and Tara work under the same broker does not diminish Mark's confidentiality obligation to Kim. Sharing Kim's maximum price willingness with Tara would be a direct breach of Mark's fiduciary duty.

Answer Options
A
Mark may share Kim's willingness to pay more because designated agency eliminates confidentiality obligations within the same firm
B
Mark must share the information with Tara because both agents work under the same broker and share supervisory accountability
C
Mark must protect Kim's confidential information because designated agency preserves full fiduciary duties to each agent's respective client
D
Mark should refer the question to Broker Diane, who as the supervising broker may decide what information to share between agents

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

designated_agencyconfidentialityfiduciary_dutiessame_firmexpert_trap

Related Concepts

An agency relationship where the agent agrees to act on behalf of the principal without receiving compensation.

An agency relationship created by the conduct or actions of the parties rather than by a written or oral agreement.

The legal obligation to reveal information that could affect a party's decision to enter into or the terms of a real estate transaction.

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