According to the canon of fidelity, the primary duty of the real estate agent is to represent the interests of which party?

• A. The public
• B. The agent
• C. The client
• D. The seller's agent only

Answer: (C)

Fidelity centers on loyalty to the client. In real estate practice, an agent is hired to represent a specific party in the transaction, and the agent’s primary duty is to act in that party’s best interests above all others. This means guiding negotiations, protecting confidential information, and exercising due care and skill to help the client achieve their objectives. The agent’s obligations aren’t to the public or to advance the agent’s own interests; they’re to the client, whether the client is a buyer or a seller. In dual agency, the agent still must handle duties to both clients with informed consent and with careful management of any conflicts, always prioritizing the clients’ interests.