What action must a real estate broker take if they are aware of a property defect?

A real estate broker has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of their clients, which includes the responsibility to disclose material defects in a property. If a broker is aware of a defect, it is essential to disclose this information to potential buyers, as it can significantly impact their decisions. The ethical obligation to disclose such defects helps maintain transparency in real estate transactions and protects buyers from unforeseen issues that could affect the property's value or safety.

Additionally, the law in many jurisdictions, including Washington, requires that any known defects that could influence a buyer's choice must be disclosed regardless of whether sellers have already provided that information. Ignoring the defect or waiting for a buyer to request disclosure does not fulfill the broker's duty to inform. Likewise, assessing the impact on value before disclosing does not absolve the broker of the obligation to inform potential buyers about existing defects. Thus, disclosing the defect to potential buyers aligns with both ethical standards and legal requirements in the real estate industry.