Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 1 Exam Practice

What should a salesperson do if they suspect a property has an undisclosed issue?

1. Suggest the buyer consult with a legal advisor

2. Advise the buyer to overlook the issue

3. Conduct a thorough personal inspection

4. Recommend professional inspection

5. Dismiss the suspicion unless confirmed

6. Wait until after purchase to address concerns

The correct answer is: Recommend professional inspection

Recommending a professional inspection is the most appropriate course of action when a salesperson suspects that a property has an undisclosed issue. This approach ensures that a qualified expert can assess the property’s condition comprehensively. A professional inspector has the training and experience necessary to identify issues that may not be immediately apparent to a non-expert, helping to protect the buyer's interests and making sure that any potential problems are properly evaluated before a purchase is finalized. Consulting a legal advisor could provide some guidance related to real estate transactions, but it doesn’t directly address the concern about the property’s physical condition. Overlooking the issue would be irresponsible, especially as it could lead to significant consequences for the buyer. Conducting a personal inspection might not suffice, as personal inspections can miss many critical issues that a professional would catch. Dismissing the suspicion could result in overlooking serious problems, potentially leading to financial loss for the buyer after the purchase. Lastly, waiting until after the purchase to address concerns is counterproductive and could leave the buyer with significant issues that could have been identified and resolved beforehand. Thus, recommending a professional inspection is the most responsible and protective action for both the buyer and the salesperson.