What does fiduciary duty in real estate require from an agent?

Fiduciary duty in real estate fundamentally revolves around the obligation of an agent to prioritize the best interests of their client above all else. This relationship is built on trust, loyalty, and confidence, where the agent is expected to consistently act in ways that benefit the client, whether in negotiations, marketing efforts, or providing advice.

The agent must ensure that all actions and decisions made as part of the agency relationship serve the client's needs and goals. This includes obtaining the best possible terms for their client in transactions, presenting all offers honestly and promptly, and maintaining complete confidentiality regarding sensitive information shared by the client.

The other choices do not align with the core principles of fiduciary duty. Acting in the best interest of the agent contradicts the fundamental obligation of loyalty to the client. Similarly, acting independently of the client ignores the responsibility to advocate for the client's interests. Lastly, while disclosure of personal interests can be important in certain situations, it is not a blanket requirement of fiduciary duty; rather, the primary obligation is to the client's best interests. This makes acting in the best interest of the client the cornerstone of fiduciary duty in real estate.