What should you do if the sellers of a home inform you of a leaking roof but request not to disclose it to potential buyers?

Declining the listing is the most appropriate action in this scenario due to the ethical obligations and fiduciary duties real estate professionals must uphold. As an agent, you have a responsibility to act in the best interest of your clients while also adhering to legal and ethical standards that prioritize transparency and honesty in transactions.

If sellers disclose a significant issue like a leaking roof and request that it remain undisclosed, this presents a conflict between fulfilling your duty to the sellers and complying with fair housing laws and ethical guidelines that require full disclosure of material defects to potential buyers. By declining the listing, you avoid participating in potentially deceptive practices which could harm buyers and result in legal repercussions for you as an agent.

Choosing to notify buyers about the issue would align with ethical practices, but it would also contradict the sellers' request, potentially jeopardizing your relationship with the sellers. Listing the property without notifying buyers would be unethical, as it would involve omitting critical information that affects the property's value and safety. Fixing the leak before the listing could be beneficial, but it does not address the core issue of required disclosure; furthermore, this option could also incur unnecessary costs or complicate the listing process.

By opting to decline the listing, you maintain your integrity and uphold the standard of care