EstatePass
Agency Relationships DisclosuresSeller_agent_dutiesHARD

A seller's agent in New York learns that her seller knowingly omitted a basement water intrusion problem from the Property Condition Disclosure Statement. The seller refuses to amend the disclosure, stating the buyer should have conducted an inspection. What is the agent's required course of action under New York law?

Correct Answer

B) Inform the seller that the disclosure must be amended and withdraw from the representation if the seller refuses to comply

Under New York Real Property Law §462, sellers are required to disclose known material defects on the Property Condition Disclosure Statement. An agent who knowingly participates in or facilitates fraudulent non-disclosure of a known material defect violates both RPL §462 and DOS regulations governing licensee conduct (19 NYCRR Part 175). The agent must advise the seller to amend the disclosure. If the seller refuses, the agent must withdraw from the representation to avoid being complicit in the fraudulent concealment. Continued representation with knowledge of the undisclosed defect would expose the agent to license discipline and civil liability.

Answer Options
A
Respect the seller's decision, as buyer due diligence through inspection is the buyer's responsibility
B
Inform the seller that the disclosure must be amended and withdraw from the representation if the seller refuses to comply
C
Advise the seller to pay the $500 statutory credit to the buyer at closing, which satisfies the seller's disclosure obligations under the PCDS statute
D
Document the issue in the transaction file and take no further action, as the agent's duty runs only to the seller

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 Relationships Disclosures Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Agency Relationships Disclosures

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

Real World Application in Agency Relationships Disclosures

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Agency Relationships Disclosures Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

property_disclosurematerial_defectsagent_ethicsfraud_prevention

Related Concepts

A legal relationship in which one person (the agent) is authorized to act on behalf of another person (the principal) in business transactions with third parties.

The legal ending of an agency relationship, which can occur through completion, expiration, mutual agreement, breach, death, incapacity, or bankruptcy of either party.

The fiduciary obligation to protect a client's private information and not disclose it to third parties without permission, surviving even after the agency relationship ends.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Agency Relationships Disclosures Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

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

Start Practicing