What is a broker’s fiduciary duty?

A broker's fiduciary duty is centered around the obligation to act in the best interests of their client. This encompasses a range of responsibilities including loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure, obedience, reasonable care, and accounting. When a broker enters into a fiduciary relationship with a client, it means they must prioritize the client's needs and interests above their own or any other party's. This principle forms the backbone of trust in the broker-client relationship and is essential for maintaining ethical standards in the real estate profession.

While maximizing commission earnings and promoting properties owned by the agency might seem important, these objectives cannot take precedence over the client's best interests. Similarly, conducting open houses is a task that can be part of a broker's services, but it does not encapsulate the essence of fiduciary responsibility. In every decision and action taken, the broker must ensure that they are upholding their duty to support and protect their client's interests.