Which of the following is a duty owed by real estate salespeople/agents to their principals?

• A. Loyalty
• B. Punctuality
• C. Discretion
• D. Marketing

Answer: (A)

Loyalty is the duty you owe to your principal. In an agency relationship, the agent is expected to put the client’s interests first, act in good faith, and avoid conflicts between personal or other parties and the client. This means negotiating and presenting offers in the client’s best interest, keeping client information confidential, and steering decisions toward the client’s goals even if it isn’t the easiest or most profitable path for the agent.

Punctuality is important professional behavior, but it isn’t the defining fiduciary obligation owed to a principal. Discretion relates to handling sensitive information, which is part of confidentiality, but the standout duty that directly embodies acting for the client’s benefit is loyalty. Marketing is a service activity aimed at promoting the property and attracting buyers, not a fiduciary obligation to the client.