Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

How should a buyer agent react if a buyer client expresses concerns about a home feature?

1. Satisfy the client by providing a personal opinion on the concern.

2. Discourage third-party evaluation if knowledgeable in the area.

3. Admit not knowing any third party who handles such concerns.

4. Recommend a knowledgeable friend for guidance.

The correct answer is: Admit not knowing any third party who handles such concerns.

The best course of action for a buyer agent when a client expresses concerns about a home feature is to acknowledge the limitations of their own knowledge regarding third-party evaluations related to that concern. This helps maintain transparency and builds trust, as the agent is honest about what they can provide. Rather than providing a personal opinion— which may not be objective or informed— the agent’s role is to guide the client to appropriate resources or professionals who can address those concerns effectively. While it is important for the agent to be aware of the market and the properties they handle, reducing uncertainty for the client is vital. By being upfront about their lack of specific knowledge regarding third-party evaluations, the agent encourages the buyer to conduct more research or seek expert opinions, which can lead to a more informed decision-making process. Recommending a knowledgeable friend may sidestep the concern or dilute the professional integrity expected in the agent-client relationship, and discouraging evaluations could leave the client feeling uninformed about significant issues with the property. Each of these alternatives has drawbacks that do not align with the responsibilities of the agent to represent their client’s best interests comprehensively.