Under Washington's statutory agency framework (RCW 18.86), what level of duty does a Washington broker owe to a buyer who is a customer (not a client) in a transaction?
Correct Answer
B) Good faith and honesty only, without the full fiduciary duties owed to clients
Under RCW 18.86.020, a broker owes a buyer who is a customer (not a client) only the duties of good faith and honesty. This is a significantly lower standard than the fiduciary-level duties owed to clients. Washington's statutory agency framework explicitly distinguishes between the duties owed to clients versus customers, and this distinction is a core testable concept on the state exam.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
An agency relationship created by a clear, explicit agreement between the principal and agent, either orally or in writing.
The highest legal obligation of trust and confidence owed by an agent to their principal, requiring the agent to act solely in the principal's best interest.
An agency relationship where the agent agrees to act on behalf of the principal without receiving compensation.
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