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AgencyDisclosure_requirementsHARD

Salesperson Victor represents buyer Natalie in purchasing a home. During due diligence, Natalie confides to Victor that she is going through a divorce and must close within 45 days or she will lose her financing. The seller's agent later asks Victor whether his buyer has any time constraints on closing. Under New Jersey agency law, how should Victor respond?

Correct Answer

C) Victor must keep Natalie's time constraint confidential as it is personal client information that could weaken her negotiating position

As Natalie's buyer's agent, Victor owes her the fiduciary duty of confidentiality. Natalie's personal circumstances—her divorce and urgent closing timeline—are confidential client information that, if disclosed, would significantly weaken her negotiating position. Victor must not disclose this information to the seller's agent, regardless of whether the seller directly asks. The duty of confidentiality is one of the core fiduciary duties a buyer's agent owes to the client under New Jersey agency law.

Answer Options
A
Victor must disclose Natalie's time constraint because it is relevant to the seller's decision
B
Victor must disclose the information only if the seller directly asks Natalie about her timeline
C
Victor must keep Natalie's time constraint confidential as it is personal client information that could weaken her negotiating position
D
Victor must disclose the information to his supervising broker, who will then decide whether to share it with the seller's agent

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

buyers_agentfiduciary_dutyconfidentialitynegotiating_information

Related Concepts

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.

The extent of power and actions an agent is authorized to perform on behalf of the principal, as defined by the agency agreement.

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