The obligation of a real estate agent to inspect a property for material defects extends to which type of properties?

The obligation of a real estate agent to inspect a property for material defects applies specifically to one- to four-family houses. This categorization is significant because it encompasses a considerable portion of residential real estate in California, including single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.

The law requires real estate agents to act with a level of care that includes conducting an inspection for material defects to ensure that buyers are fully informed about the property's condition. This responsibility is rooted in the agent's fiduciary duty to their clients and the legal requirements that safeguard consumers in the real estate market.

In contrast, single-family homes represent only one segment of the broader category of one- to four-family residences, thus leading to an incomplete understanding of the agent's obligation when limited to just that option. Commercial properties also fall outside this specific requirement since the obligations concerning inspections and disclosures for commercial transactions can differ significantly from residential transactions due to their complexity and the nature of the buyers and sellers involved. Residential properties generally have stricter regulations regarding disclosures, which serve to protect the interests of individual homeowners and prospective buyers.

Therefore, the correct response regarding the scope of inspection obligations for real estate agents pertains specifically to that range of one- to four-family houses.