Which of the following accurately describes a universal agent's duty to clients?

A universal agent is someone authorized to act on behalf of a principal in all matters concerning a specific aspect of the principal’s affairs, in this case, real estate. The role of a universal agent goes beyond that of a general or special agent, as it encompasses a broader range of powers and responsibilities.

Option B accurately reflects the nature of a universal agent's duty to clients. While the universal agent is bound to act in the best interest of the client, compliance is ultimately determined by the client's choice. The client can make decisions on how much they wish to engage with the agent's advice or recommendations. This dynamic illustrates the discretionary power that clients have in determining their level of participation in the process.

The other options do not align with the characteristics of a universal agent's responsibilities. For instance, the notion that it is mandatory by law would imply an obligation that doesn’t truly reflect the voluntary nature of the relationship. Similarly, stating that it guarantees profit margins misrepresents the reality of market conditions, which cannot be predicted or guaranteed by any agent. Lastly, while having a written agreement is often beneficial and can clarify the relationship, it is not a strict requirement for defining a universal agent's duty. Therefore, the accurate portrayal of a universal agent’s role