What is generally considered a primary responsibility of a real estate agent in a transaction?

The primary responsibility of a real estate agent in a transaction is to disclose all material facts. This duty is crucial because agents are required to provide essential information that could influence a buyer's decision and ensure transparency throughout the transaction. This responsibility encompasses not just disclosing defects in the property but also any relevant information about the local market, zoning laws, and the overall transaction process.

In a real estate context, material facts are those that could affect a party's decision to buy or sell a property. Therefore, a diligent agent ensures that all pertinent details are communicated to both the seller and the buyer, fostering trust and adherence to ethical standards in real estate practices. This duty helps protect the agents legally and promotes a fair transaction by ensuring that clients make informed decisions.

While marketing the property, setting the price, and handling the closing paperwork are all significant aspects of a real estate agent's role, they are secondary to the essential ethic of full disclosure. Without transparency, the effectiveness of those other responsibilities could be compromised, as clients may not have all the information necessary to proceed confidently in the transaction.