What does the duty of care entail for a real estate agent?

The duty of care for a real estate agent is fundamentally about ensuring that accurate information is provided to clients. This means that agents must conduct thorough research and verify facts related to properties, market conditions, and legal aspects of real estate transactions. Providing accurate and reliable information is essential in helping clients make informed decisions, which underpins the trust and professionalism necessary in the client-agent relationship.

While other aspects such as protecting clients' interests or maintaining confidentiality are critical responsibilities of a real estate agent, the specific duty of care focuses predominantly on the accuracy of the information shared. Agents must avoid making misleading statements or providing incomplete information that could lead to negative consequences for their clients.

This emphasis on accuracy is rooted in both the ethical obligations real estate agents have and the legal responsibilities laid out in real estate law. By ensuring accurate information is shared, agents uphold their duty of care, ultimately fostering better outcomes for clients and maintaining their professional integrity.