20. Which of the following statements by a licensee could cause the Missouri Real Estate Commission to file a complaint against the licensee?
Answer: D
You will be able to sell this house at a good profit when the new grade school opens.
This statement could lead to a complaint against the licensee because it involves making a prediction about future market conditions, which may mislead potential buyers. Making such assertions can be considered a violation of ethical standards in real estate practices.
A) This is the most beautiful view in the state.
While this statement expresses a subjective opinion about the view, it does not present any factual misrepresentation or deceptive claim that would warrant a complaint. It reflects personal sentiment and is generally acceptable in real estate marketing.
B) The former owner committed suicide.
This statement could raise ethical concerns, but it does not necessarily lead to a complaint unless it is presented in a manner that violates disclosure laws or fair housing practices. The relevance of such information can depend on local laws regarding stigmatized properties.
C) I feel this house is worth every bit of the listed price.
This opinion about the house's value is subjective and does not guarantee a specific outcome or misrepresentation. As long as it is framed as a personal belief, it does not provide grounds for a complaint.
D) You will be able to sell this house at a good profit when the new grade school opens.
This statement implies a future benefit based on an external factor, which could mislead buyers about their investment's potential. Such predictive claims can be problematic, as they may not be guaranteed and can be seen as a violation of fair marketing practices.
Conclusion
The correct answer is option D, as it makes a speculative claim about future market conditions that could mislead buyers, thus prompting a potential complaint from the Missouri Real Estate Commission. Options A, B, and C do not contain misleading information or ethical violations to the same extent, making them less likely to elicit a complaint. Therefore, D stands out as the statement that could indeed cause regulatory action.