64. A seller has instructed a licensee not to advertise the price of the seller's residence. The licensee's broker insists that every listing advertised must include the price. What must the licensee do?
Answer: A
The licensee must inform the seller that the broker will not advertise the property.
In this situation, the licensee should inform the seller that the broker will not be able to advertise the property as per the broker's policy. This action respects both the seller's instructions and the broker's requirements.
A) Inform the seller that the broker will not advertise the property.
This option is correct because it acknowledges the seller's instructions while also adhering to the broker's policy. By communicating this to the seller, the licensee ensures transparency and maintains the relationship with both parties.
B) Obey the broker, since the licensee owes the first duty to the broker.
This option is incorrect as it disregards the seller's explicit instruction not to advertise the price. The licensee has a duty to uphold the seller's wishes and cannot prioritize the broker's demands over the seller's instructions.
C) Refuse to advertise the property at all until the seller changes the instructions.
This option is also incorrect. While it respects the seller's wishes, it does not fulfill the duty to communicate effectively with the seller regarding the broker's policies. A refusal to advertise without explanation could damage the relationship with the seller.
D) Refuse to take the listing, since the seller's instructions are illegal.
This option is incorrect because the seller's instructions are not inherently illegal. Real estate agents must often navigate conflicting instructions from sellers and brokers, and simply refusing to take the listing is an extreme measure that does not facilitate a resolution.
Conclusion
The correct answer emphasizes the importance of communication between the licensee and the seller while also respecting the broker's policies. Options B, C, and D fail to reconcile the conflicting demands of the seller and broker appropriately, thus demonstrating a lack of understanding of the licensee's responsibilities in this dual relationship.