A buyer has signed an exclusive buyer representation agreement with a designated agent. The buyer is very specific about their desired property features, including a heated triple car garage. The agent finds a suitable property that meets all criteria, but the garage is only double-sized and unheated. During the viewing, the agent tells the buyer, 'We can probably convert this to a triple and add heating for about $15,000, which is a great deal.' What fiduciary duty might the agent be compromising?

Question: A buyer has signed an exclusive buyer representation agreement with a designated agent. The buyer is very specific about their desired property features, including a heated triple car garage. The agent finds a suitable property that meets all criteria, but the garage is only double-sized and unheated. During the viewing, the agent tells the buyer, 'We can probably convert this to a triple and add heating for about $15,000, which is a great deal.' What fiduciary duty might the agent be compromising?

Answer options:

• Confidentiality
• Obedience
• Loyalty ✅ Competence

Correct answer: Competence

Explanation: By providing a casual estimate for significant renovations without professional expertise or verification, the agent may be exceeding their competence and potentially misrepresenting costs or feasibility, which could harm the buyer's interests. This breaches the duty to act with care and skill, as required by RECA's Standards of Practice.