National Real Estate Practice Exam

What is the primary responsibility of a salesperson in real estate?

1. To directly represent the principal

2. To act as a subagent of the client

3. To maintain an independent relationship with buyers

4. To solely work for the seller

The correct answer is: To act as a subagent of the client

The primary responsibility of a salesperson in real estate is to act as a subagent of the client. In this role, the salesperson assists the client, typically the seller, in marketing and selling the property while representing the client's interests in the transaction. This involves tasks such as showcasing the property, negotiating offers, and adhering to the client's goals, ensuring that the client's directives are prioritized throughout the sale process. Acting as a subagent means that the salesperson owes fiduciary duties to the principal (the client). These duties include loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, and accountability, all of which are essential for effectively representing the client’s best interests. This relationship emphasizes the importance of trust and communication, as the salesperson must work diligently to secure favorable outcomes for the client while following legal and ethical guidelines. The other options, while touching on legitimate aspects of real estate sales, do not encapsulate the core responsibility in the same comprehensive manner. For instance, representing the principal is a part of the role but is inherently included in being a subagent. Maintaining an independent relationship with buyers could lead to conflicts of interest or misrepresentation, and working solely for the seller does not acknowledge the broader obligations to all parties involved in the transaction and the importance of a balanced approach