Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

If a listing salesperson discloses a client's selling motivation confidentially, what action should they take?

1. The salesperson should act impartially and not disclose the client’s motivation.

2. The salesperson should fully disclose the client’s motivation to ensure transparency.

3. The salesperson must protect the client’s interest by not revealing their willingness to lower the price.

4. The salesperson should only hint at the client's motivation without revealing details.

5. The salesperson should seek client consent before sharing such information.

6. The salesperson must avoid discussing the seller's motivation entirely.

The correct answer is: The salesperson should act impartially and not disclose the client’s motivation.

The correct response emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and professionalism in real estate transactions. When a listing salesperson is aware of a client's selling motivation, it is crucial that they act impartially and do not disclose this confidential information to other parties. Disclosing a client's motivation can compromise their negotiating position and ultimately harm their interests. Maintaining confidentiality aligns with the ethical standards expected in real estate practices, fostering trust between the salesperson and their client. This approach also ensures that the salesperson can serve their client's interests effectively without jeopardizing the sale or the client’s goals. While some of the other options suggest ways to manage the situation, they may not adequately protect the client's interests or may involve unnecessary disclosure that could lead to conflicts or lack of trust. For instance, seeking consent to share such information could still put the client at a disadvantage, and hinting at motivations could lead to misunderstandings. Thus, the commitment to confidentiality is the key takeaway in this scenario.