What responsibility do real estate agents have regarding accurate property representation?

Real estate agents have a fundamental obligation to provide accurate and truthful representations of the properties they are marketing. This responsibility includes ensuring that all details about the property's condition, features, and legal status are correct and not misleading. When agents misrepresent a property—whether intentionally or unintentionally—they can face serious consequences, including legal liabilities.

The role of a real estate agent is to be a reliable source of information for both buyers and sellers. They are expected to conduct due diligence and verify facts to ensure that their representations are correct. If a buyer relies on false or misleading information from an agent and suffers a loss as a result, the agent may be held accountable for misrepresentation, regardless of whether they own the property or if the buyer conducted their investigation. This principle is key to maintaining integrity in real estate transactions and building trust with clients.

It is essential for agents to operate with a standard of care that protects consumers, which means they cannot simply deny responsibility or expect buyers to independently verify everything. They share the responsibility for accurate representation with sellers, but ultimate accountability for any misrepresentation falls on the agent, underscoring the necessity for professionalism and honesty in the field.