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Broker Nguyen's New Jersey firm is acting as a dual agent in a transaction between seller Carla and buyer Derek, with written consent from both parties. During the transaction, Carla tells Broker Nguyen in confidence that she is going through a divorce and must sell the property within 30 days or face financial hardship. Derek later asks Nguyen whether the seller has any urgency to sell. How should Nguyen respond?

Correct Answer

D) Nguyen must keep Carla's financial urgency confidential and cannot disclose it to Derek without Carla's permission

Even in a dual agency relationship, a New Jersey broker must maintain the confidentiality of each client's sensitive personal and financial information. Carla's divorce situation and urgent need to sell within 30 days is confidential information that, if disclosed, would directly harm her negotiating position. The duty of confidentiality survives the dual agency consent and applies to information that a reasonable person would want kept private. Nguyen cannot disclose this to Derek without Carla's explicit permission.

Answer Options
A
Nguyen must disclose Carla's situation to Derek because it is a material fact that affects the transaction
B
Nguyen must disclose Carla's financial urgency because dual agents must share all information equally with both parties
C
Nguyen may disclose the information only if Derek agrees to keep it confidential and not use it in negotiations
D
Nguyen must keep Carla's financial urgency confidential and cannot disclose it to Derek without Carla's permission

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

dual_agencyconfidentialityfiduciary_dutiesdisclosure_limits

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.

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