How would you define the obligation of 'loyalty' in real estate practice?

Loyalty in real estate practice refers to the commitment an agent has to act in the best interest of their client. This principle is a fundamental component of the fiduciary duties owed by an agent to their client. When an agent is loyal, they prioritize the client's needs and objectives above their own interests or those of any other parties involved in the transaction.

This means the agent must advocate for the client, ensure they receive the best possible advice, and help them achieve their real estate goals. Loyalty goes beyond merely acting in a way that is beneficial for the client; it encompasses all actions the agent takes, ensuring they align with what is best for the client throughout the entire transaction process.

In contrast, providing all information exhaustively might imply transparency but does not guarantee the agent is acting with the client's best interests at heart. Favoring the agent's interests directly undermines the concept of loyalty, as it indicates a conflict of interest. Lastly, ensuring client confidentiality only addresses a specific aspect of the relationship rather than the broader obligation to act loyally and in the client's best interests across all facets of the real estate transaction.