Oregon 30-Hour Real Estate Law Practice Test

What fiduciary duty does Simone demonstrate when complying with her client's request against using a lockbox?

1. The duty of care

2. The duty of disclosure

3. The duty of obedience

4. The duty of loyalty

The correct answer is: The duty of obedience

The duty of obedience refers to the obligation of an agent to follow the lawful instructions of their client. In this scenario, by complying with her client's request not to use a lockbox, Simone is fulfilling her responsibility to adhere to her client's directives. This duty emphasizes the agent's requirement to act in a manner that aligns with the client's wishes, as long as those wishes are legal and ethical. When an agent demonstrates the duty of obedience, they are prioritizing the client's preferences and instructions, which is essential for building trust and maintaining a positive working relationship. This fiduciary duty reinforces the concept that the client's interests should be at the forefront of the agent's actions. For clarity, the other duties—such as the duty of care, which involves acting competently and with due diligence, and the duty of disclosure, which entails providing all relevant information to the client—are important but not applicable in this context. The duty of loyalty focuses on placing the client's interests above anyone else's. In this case, the act of complying with a specific request shows Simone's adherence to her client’s preferences, clearly indicating the fulfillment of the duty of obedience.