If a former client files an ethics complaint because a house needed a new roof, what is the likely standing of the agent?

The correct answer highlights the principle that real estate agents are not necessarily expected to have specialized expert knowledge in every aspect of a property. In many cases, a real estate agent acts as an intermediary and provides general assistance with transactions rather than in-depth technical inspections or evaluations.

While agents should advise clients to conduct professional inspections for significant issues, such as the condition of a roof, they are not required to possess expert-level knowledge about the structural components of a home. Thus, if a former client files an ethics complaint regarding a roof needing replacement, the agent would likely have a solid defense by emphasizing that they did not have the specialized knowledge that would obligate them to disclose the roof's condition.

Agents are typically expected to disclose known defects or issues, but the obligation to uncover every potential problem falls on professional inspectors. Hence, the agent's standing in this scenario would be that they are not at fault, as they did not have an obligation to identify issues that would require expert analysis.