What must a licensee do when an offer is received and the seller is unavailable?

In the scenario where a licensee receives an offer but the seller is unavailable, the licensee has an obligation to communicate the offer to the seller unless there are explicit instructions from the seller stating otherwise. This practice aligns with the fiduciary duty that requires agents to act in the best interest of their clients.

By communicating the offer promptly, the licensee ensures that the seller has the opportunity to consider their options without unnecessary delay. This is crucial in real estate transactions, as offers can be time-sensitive, and delaying communication could result in lost opportunities for the seller. Additionally, failure to communicate an offer could lead to potential liability for the licensee, as they may be seen as not fulfilling their duty to properly represent and inform their client.

In contrast, ignoring the offer or delaying communication could jeopardize the seller's interests and is generally not acceptable practice. It is essential for licensees to maintain clear and timely communication unless they have received specific instructions from the seller to handle offers differently. Thus, the requirement to communicate any received offers, unless directly instructed otherwise by the seller, reflects the standard of professionalism and duty of care expected in real estate transactions.