Which statement best describes the duty of loyalty for a real estate agent?

• A. Maximizing the broker's commission at the expense of the client
• B. Acting as a dual agent without disclosure
• C. Placing the client's interests above all others
• D. Revealing confidential information

Answer: (C)

Placing the client's interests above all others is the essence of loyalty in real estate practice. A real estate agent acts as a fiduciary, meaning they owe the client undivided loyalty and must put the client’s goals and well-being ahead of the agent’s own interests or the broker’s interests. This guides every decision and action, from how they negotiate terms to how they handle information. It also means avoiding conflicts that could benefit the agent, the broker, or another party at the client’s expense, and seeking the client’s instructions when uncertainties arise. Loyalty includes protecting confidential information and not disclosing it unless the client authorizes or the law requires otherwise. Actions like pursuing a higher commission at the client’s expense, serving as a dual agent without proper disclosure, or revealing confidential information would violate this duty. So the statement that best describes the duty of loyalty is placing the client’s interests above all others.