Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 1 Exam Practice

What should the Freemans' real estate salesperson do when they are concerned about an older home's structural integrity?

1. Advise them that older homes typically do not have such problems and suggest they proceed with an offer

2. Indicate that he has no knowledge of structural components but suggest they proceed with an offer

3. Say that the building is sound as there are no visible signs of movement

4. Recommend contacting a professional to assess the structure

5. Suggest they proceed with the purchase and discuss any issues later

6. Ignore the concern and focus on other aspects of the property

The correct answer is: Recommend contacting a professional to assess the structure

The appropriate course of action for the real estate salesperson in this scenario is to recommend that the Freemans contact a professional to assess the structure. This response is responsible and aligns with the duty of care that real estate professionals have toward their clients. Older homes may have hidden issues that are not immediately visible, and a professional inspection can provide a thorough assessment of the home's structural integrity. By suggesting that the clients hire a professional, the salesperson ensures that the Freemans have all pertinent information to make an informed decision about their potential purchase. This advice not only protects the client’s interests but also fosters trust and professionalism, key components in real estate transactions. In contrast, claiming that older homes typically do not have structural issues, suggesting an offer without due diligence, or stating that the building is sound based just on superficial observations does not address the concerns about potential hidden problems. Additionally, ignoring the concern or suggesting that issues can be discussed later fails to prioritize the clients' best interests. Thus, recommending a professional assessment is the most prudent and ethical choice.