A buyer, Alex, approaches a real estate associate, Clara, in Lethbridge. Alex insists he does not want to sign any written agreement and only wants Clara to help him find an investment property. Clara shows Alex several properties and provides him with comparable sales data. What type of agency relationship exists between Alex and Clara, if any, in this scenario?

Question: A buyer, Alex, approaches a real estate associate, Clara, in Lethbridge. Alex insists he does not want to sign any written agreement and only wants Clara to help him find an investment property. Clara shows Alex several properties and provides him with comparable sales data. What type of agency relationship exists between Alex and Clara, if any, in this scenario?

Answer options:

• Express agency, as Clara is actively providing services. ✅ Implied agency, as Clara's actions suggest she is acting on Alex's behalf.
• No agency relationship, as there is no written agreement.
• A customer relationship, as there is no formal agreement.

Correct answer: Implied agency, as Clara's actions suggest she is acting on Alex's behalf.

Explanation: Even without a written agreement, an implied agency relationship can be created through the conduct of the parties. Clara's actions of showing properties and providing comparable data would likely be interpreted as her acting on Alex's behalf, establishing an implied agency under common law principles unless she explicitly stated she was not representing him.