What is an agent’s fiduciary duty?

The agent's fiduciary duty refers to the obligation to act in the best interest of the client. This foundational principle in agency law establishes a relationship of trust and confidence that mandates the agent prioritize the client's needs, interests, and goals above their own personal gains or interests. This duty encompasses various responsibilities including loyalty, full disclosure, confidentiality, and accounting. By focusing on the client’s best interests, the agent fosters a professional relationship that is ethical and respectful, ultimately serving the client's needs more effectively.

The other options emphasize aspects that do not align with this fiduciary obligation. For instance, maximizing personal commission conflicts with the agent's duty to prioritize the client's interests. Avoiding communication with other parties could hinder essential negotiations and information exchanges that benefit the client. Similarly, negotiating exclusively for the seller does not reflect the fiduciary duty when the agent is representing a client that may have different interests or needs. Thus, prioritizing the client's best interests encapsulates the agent's fiduciary duty comprehensively.