How should a licensee handle a request to see a property privately without an agent?

How should a licensee handle a request to see a property privately without an agent?

• A. Ignore representation status and show as a customer.
• B. Offer to sign a representation agreement but show as a customer immediately.
• C. Refuse to show property at all.
• D. Ensure representation status is disclosed; obtain consent to show as a customer or offer to sign a representation agreement; remain professional.

Answer: (D)

When a licensee is asked to show a property privately without an agent, the essential step is to be transparent about representation and obtain clear consent before proceeding. You should disclose your current representation status, then determine whether the prospective buyer or client wants to be shown as a customer (no representation) or to sign a representation agreement to engage you formally. If they consent to sign, you act under the representation agreement for them. If they choose to be shown as a customer, you continue showing the property but with the appropriate non-represented status, while still upholding honesty, fairness, and professional conduct. This approach is best because it makes the scope of representation explicit, ensures the client understands who you represent, and secures the proper authority to act. It also helps prevent conflicts or misunderstandings about duties owed, and it aligns with ethical and licensing requirements for disclosure and consent. Other options fall short because ignoring representation status can lead to misrepresentation or ethical breaches; offering to sign a representation agreement but showing the property as a customer immediately creates inconsistency and potential confusion; and refusing to show the property at all ignores the client’s needs and isn’t warranted when proper disclosure and consent can be obtained.

When a licensee is asked to show a property privately without an agent, the essential step is to be transparent about representation and obtain clear consent before proceeding. You should disclose your current representation status, then determine whether the prospective buyer or client wants to be shown as a customer (no representation) or to sign a representation agreement to engage you formally. If they consent to sign, you act under the representation agreement for them. If they choose to be shown as a customer, you continue showing the property but with the appropriate non-represented status, while still upholding honesty, fairness, and professional conduct.

This approach is best because it makes the scope of representation explicit, ensures the client understands who you represent, and secures the proper authority to act. It also helps prevent conflicts or misunderstandings about duties owed, and it aligns with ethical and licensing requirements for disclosure and consent.

Other options fall short because ignoring representation status can lead to misrepresentation or ethical breaches; offering to sign a representation agreement but showing the property as a customer immediately creates inconsistency and potential confusion; and refusing to show the property at all ignores the client’s needs and isn’t warranted when proper disclosure and consent can be obtained.