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Agent Maria is listing a 600-acre ranch in South Dakota that relies on a permitted water right from a nearby river for livestock watering. The seller mentions the water permit casually but does not include any information about it in the listing paperwork. Maria knows the ranch is marketed primarily to out-of-state buyers from eastern states. Which of the following best describes Maria's professional obligation regarding the water rights?

Correct Answer

C) Maria must ensure the water rights are identified and disclosed in the transaction, as failure to do so could constitute a material omission under South Dakota law

Under South Dakota's prior appropriation doctrine (SDCL Chapter 46-1 through 46-6), surface water rights are separate from land ownership and are a critical component of agricultural and rural property transactions. Because water rights do not automatically transfer with the land, a licensee's failure to identify and disclose the existence and status of water appropriation permits in a ranch transaction can constitute a material omission. This obligation is especially important when marketing to out-of-state buyers from riparian-rights states who may incorrectly assume water rights transfer automatically with the land. Maria's duty of disclosure extends to material facts affecting the property's value and use.

Answer Options
A
Maria has no specific obligation because water rights are a legal matter handled exclusively by the closing attorney
B
Maria should verbally mention the water rights to interested buyers but is not required to document them in the listing
C
Maria must ensure the water rights are identified and disclosed in the transaction, as failure to do so could constitute a material omission under South Dakota law
D
Maria only needs to disclose the water rights if the buyer specifically asks about irrigation or livestock water sources

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

prior_appropriationwater_rightsmaterial_omissiondisclosure_dutyagricultural_propertylisting_agent

Related Concepts

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