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Practice Of Real EstateTrust_funds_recordkeeping_technology_ethicsMEDIUM

An agent represents a buyer who is competing against multiple offers on a popular listing. The agent calls the listing agent and claims the buyer has a pre-approval letter for $500,000 when the buyer is actually pre-approved for only $400,000. What ethical violation has the agent committed?

Correct Answer

D) A violation of the duty of honesty and fair dealing, because intentionally misrepresenting a buyer's financial qualifications is fraudulent

Intentionally misrepresenting a buyer's financial qualifications is a form of fraud. Real estate agents have a duty of honesty and fair dealing with all parties, not just their own clients. This misrepresentation could harm the seller and other competing buyers.

Answer Options
A
No violation, because exaggerating a buyer's qualifications is a common negotiation tactic
B
A minor technical violation with no consequences
C
A violation only if the seller accepts the offer based on the misrepresentation
D
A violation of the duty of honesty and fair dealing, because intentionally misrepresenting a buyer's financial qualifications is fraudulent

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

ethicsmisrepresentationfraudhonestypractice

Related Concepts

Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds, while conversion is the unauthorized use of client funds for the broker's own benefit. Both are serious violations that can result in license revocation.

Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client trust funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds; conversion is the misappropriation of those funds.

Continuing education (CE) refers to the ongoing coursework that licensed real estate professionals must complete during each renewal cycle to maintain an active license. CE ensures agents stay current with changes in laws, regulations, and industry practices.

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