Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

What scenario should a salesperson refrain from discussing another brokerage's performance with a seller?

1. During an open house event.

2. Outside a formal listing presentation.

3. Through casual conversations at social events.

4. When the seller initiates the topic of dissatisfaction.

5. While providing a second opinion on market values.

6. Without explicit permission from their brokerage.

The correct answer is: Through casual conversations at social events.

A salesperson should refrain from discussing another brokerage's performance in casual conversations at social events due to the potential for misinformation and the risk of damaging another brokerage's reputation without substantive evidence. Engaging in such discussions casually can lead to perceptions of bias or unfair competition, ultimately harming professional relationships and the integrity of the real estate industry as a whole. In contrast, the other scenarios allow for more structured or necessary dialogues within the scope of real estate sales. During an open house, formal presentations, or when a seller brings up their dissatisfaction, there might be a context wherein discussing performance is more acceptable or even expected. Providing a second opinion on market values may also involve analyzing competitive brokerages, but it should be approached carefully. Discussing competitors' performances without explicit permission from one's own brokerage is crucial, as this can lead to liability issues and unprofessional conduct.