Maria is a designated agent representing the seller of 456 Main Street, Victoria. Brian, an unrepresented buyer, attends an open house and expresses strong interest. Brian asks Maria if the seller would accept an offer significantly below the asking price, citing recent neighbourhood sales. What is Maria's responsibility in this interaction with Brian?

Question: Maria is a designated agent representing the seller of 456 Main Street, Victoria. Brian, an unrepresented buyer, attends an open house and expresses strong interest. Brian asks Maria if the seller would accept an offer significantly below the asking price, citing recent neighbourhood sales. What is Maria's responsibility in this interaction with Brian?

Answer options: ✅ Maria should advise Brian that she cannot disclose the seller's bottom line or provide advice on pricing, but she can recommend he seek independent representation.

• Maria should suggest Brian include a subject to property inspection to give him a chance to research comparable sales further.
• Maria must provide Brian with the seller's Property Disclosure Statement and a listing history for the property.
• Maria should inform Brian that she is also acting for a competing buyer and therefore cannot assist him with his pricing strategy.

Correct answer: Maria should advise Brian that she cannot disclose the seller's bottom line or provide advice on pricing, but she can recommend he seek independent representation.

Explanation: Maria, as the seller's designated agent, owes fiduciary duties exclusively to the seller. She cannot give advice to an unrepresented buyer on pricing or negotiation tactics, as this would breach her duty of loyalty. She should advise the unrepresented party to seek their own advice.