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.
The licensee is obligated to respect the seller's instruction not to advertise the price of the residence. Therefore, the appropriate action is to inform the seller about the broker's insistence on including the price in the advertisement.
A) Inform the seller that the broker will not advertise the property.
This option is correct because it aligns with the licensee's duty to uphold the seller's instructions. By informing the seller that the broker cannot comply with the advertising request, the licensee ensures transparency and maintains the integrity of the seller's wishes.
B) Obey the broker, since the licensee owes the first duty to the broker.
This option is incorrect because the licensee's primary responsibility is to the seller, not the broker, especially regarding specific instructions about the property. Following the broker's directive against the seller's wishes would violate the ethical obligations owed to the seller.
C) Refuse to advertise the property at all until the seller changes the instructions.
While this option acknowledges the seller's instructions, it is incorrect because it does not involve communication with the seller. The licensee should inform the seller about the situation rather than simply refusing to advertise.
D) Refuse to take the listing, since the seller's instructions are illegal.
This option is also incorrect as the seller's request to not advertise the price is not illegal. The licensee should not refuse the listing based solely on the seller's preference regarding advertising.
Conclusion
The correct answer is option A, as it prioritizes the seller's instructions while ensuring the licensee remains compliant with both ethical standards and legal obligations. Other options fail to respect the seller's wishes or misinterpret the legalities surrounding advertising requirements. Therefore, informing the seller about the broker's position is the most responsible course of action.