EstatePass
AgencyFiduciary_dutiesMEDIUM

New Jersey salesperson David represents seller Mrs. Lopez. During negotiations, the buyer's agent asks David whether Mrs. Lopez would accept $10,000 less than the asking price. David knows Mrs. Lopez is under financial pressure and would likely accept the reduction. Under his fiduciary duty to Mrs. Lopez, how should David respond?

Correct Answer

B) Decline to reveal Mrs. Lopez's financial situation and encourage the buyer's agent to submit the best offer their client is willing to make

David's fiduciary duty of confidentiality and loyalty to Mrs. Lopez requires him to protect information that could harm her negotiating position, including her financial situation and motivation to sell. By declining to reveal this information and directing the buyer's agent to submit their best offer, David fulfills his duties without being deceptive. He is not required to confirm or deny the seller's financial circumstances.

Answer Options
A
Confirm that Mrs. Lopez is under financial pressure so the buyer can make an informed offer
B
Decline to reveal Mrs. Lopez's financial situation and encourage the buyer's agent to submit the best offer their client is willing to make
C
Tell the buyer's agent that Mrs. Lopez might accept a lower price but has not authorized him to confirm a specific number
D
Refuse to respond to the inquiry at all and immediately report the buyer's agent to the NJREC

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Agency Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Agency

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Agency

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Agency Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fiduciary_dutiesconfidentialityloyaltyseller_agencynegotiation

Related Concepts

The legal principle that holds a broker responsible for the actions of their agents and employees performed within the scope of the agency relationship.

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.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Agency Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Agency Questions

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing