EstatePass
AgencyAgency_types_sellers_buyers_disclosed_limitedMEDIUM

Oregon broker Chen has a listing agreement with seller Huang. Broker Nguyen, working for a different brokerage, brings a buyer who submits an offer on Huang's property. During negotiations, Nguyen asks Chen directly whether Huang would accept $10,000 less than the asking price. How should Chen respond under Oregon agency law?

Correct Answer

C) Chen must decline to disclose Huang's confidential negotiating position, as it would breach his fiduciary duty to Huang

Under ORS 696.815, a seller's agent owes the seller the fiduciary duty of confidentiality, which includes protecting the seller's negotiating position. Disclosing the seller's minimum acceptable price to the buyer's agent—even indirectly—would be a direct breach of this duty. Chen must decline to reveal Huang's confidential information regardless of how the question is framed.

Answer Options
A
Chen must answer honestly because all licensees owe each other a duty of good faith dealing
B
Chen should disclose Huang's bottom line to help facilitate the transaction and serve the market
C
Chen must decline to disclose Huang's confidential negotiating position, as it would breach his fiduciary duty to Huang
D
Chen may disclose Huang's minimum price only if Nguyen agrees to keep the information confidential

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:

sellers_agentconfidentialityfiduciary_dutiesnegotiation

Related Concepts

An agency relationship where the agent agrees to act on behalf of the principal without receiving compensation.

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.

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