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A North Dakota real estate licensee is preparing a purchase agreement for a client buying a property in Williston. The property is located in the Bakken Formation region, and the listing does not mention mineral rights. The licensee knows from reviewing the title commitment that the mineral rights were severed 30 years ago. The licensee's buyer-client has not asked about mineral rights. What is the licensee's obligation under North Dakota law?

Correct Answer

A) The licensee must disclose the mineral rights severance to the buyer-client as a known material fact

Under North Dakota Administrative Code Title 70 and NDCC Chapter 43-23, a licensee representing a buyer owes fiduciary duties including the duty to disclose all known material facts that could affect the buyer's decision. Severed mineral rights in the Bakken Formation region of North Dakota are a material fact — they affect the property's value and the buyer's rights. The licensee's knowledge of the severance from the title commitment creates an affirmative duty to disclose this information to the buyer-client, regardless of whether the buyer specifically asked about mineral rights.

Answer Options
A
The licensee must disclose the mineral rights severance to the buyer-client as a known material fact
B
The licensee has no duty to disclose mineral rights status because the buyer did not ask about it
C
The licensee must report the mineral rights severance to the NDREC before proceeding with the transaction
D
The licensee should only disclose the mineral rights issue if the buyer intends to use the property for oil and gas production

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

mineral_rightsfiduciary_dutydisclosure_obligationbuyer_representationmaterial_fact

Related Concepts

Novation is the substitution of a new contract for an existing one, or the replacement of one party with a new party, with the consent of all parties involved. The original party is completely released from all obligations.

Offer and acceptance is the process by which one party proposes specific terms for a contract and the other party agrees to those exact terms, creating mutual assent. This mutual agreement, also called a meeting of the minds, is an essential element of every valid contract.

An option contract gives one party the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to purchase or lease a property at a specified price within a specified time period. The buyer pays option consideration to keep the option open.

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