What should a broker do if instructed not to show a property while the owner is away, and an African American couple requests to see the property?

The appropriate action for a broker in this scenario is to refuse to show the property if instructed not to do so by the owner. It's important for the broker to respect the owner's wishes regarding how and when the property is shown, regardless of the race or any other characteristics of the prospective buyers. This instruction is a directive from the property owner, which should be prioritized to maintain the trust and relationship between the broker and the owner.

Additionally, showing the property to an African American couple, while under instructions to not show it at all, could lead to potential legal complications and accusations of discrimination, regardless of the broker's intentions. The broker's primary obligation is to uphold the owner's instructions and ensure that all actions align with the legal and ethical standards of practice.

This action also emphasizes the importance of adhering to the owner's guidelines, as well as reinforcing the principle of equal treatment in real estate without compromising the directives given by the owner.