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Broker Elena in Nebraska represents seller Frank on a rural property near a Natural Resources District (NRD) groundwater management area. Buyer Grace is interested in the property and asks Elena whether the NRD designation affects her ability to drill a new irrigation well. Elena, representing Frank, tells Grace that the NRD restrictions are 'minor and won't affect your farming plans' without verifying this claim. The NRD has in fact imposed a moratorium on new well permits in that area. Under Nebraska agency law and state-specific disclosure obligations, which of the following best describes Elena's liability?

Correct Answer

D) Elena may be liable for misrepresentation to Grace and for failing to disclose a material fact that affects the property's value and use

Under Nebraska law, a licensee — even when representing the seller — has an affirmative duty not to make false or misleading statements to any party in a transaction, including buyers who are customers rather than clients. Elena's statement that NRD restrictions are 'minor and won't affect your farming plans' is an affirmative misrepresentation of a material fact: the NRD moratorium on new well permits directly affects the property's agricultural utility and value. Nebraska's NRD system is a state-specific institution with significant impact on rural and agricultural property use. Nebraska licensees have a duty to disclose known material facts and must not make false statements to any party. Elena's failure to verify the NRD status before making that representation exposes her to liability for misrepresentation, regardless of her agency relationship with Frank.

Answer Options
A
Elena has no liability because NRD designations are public record and Grace had a duty to investigate independently
B
Elena may be liable only to Frank for breach of fiduciary duty by potentially delaying the sale with unnecessary disclosures
C
Elena has no liability because her duty as Frank's agent is to promote the sale, not to advise the buyer
D
Elena may be liable for misrepresentation to Grace and for failing to disclose a material fact that affects the property's value and use

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

NRDmisrepresentationmaterial_factseller_agencygroundwaterdisclosure_obligationrural_property

Related Concepts

An agency relationship created when a principal's actions or words lead a third party to reasonably believe that an agent has authority, and the principal fails to correct this belief.

An agency relationship created when a principal approves or accepts an agent's previously unauthorized actions, effectively granting authority after the fact.

The legal requirement for real estate agents to inform all parties about who they represent in a transaction, typically provided at first substantive contact.

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