What is the unethical practice where a broker claims they can sell a property for significantly more than others?

The practice referred to in the question is known as puffing. It involves making exaggerated claims about a property’s value in order to convince a seller to list with the broker or to attract potential buyers. When a broker claims they can sell a property for a significantly higher price than the market suggests, this can be seen as a form of unethical representation that misleads the client about the actual potential of the property.

Puffing does not involve legitimate market analysis or comparative market assessments; instead, it relies on hyperbole and speculation, which can create unrealistic expectations. This can lead to frustration and conflict when the property does not sell for the promised price and can ultimately damage the trust between the broker and the client.

In contrast, buying the listing refers to a practice where agents may under-price their commission just to gain listings, while sales and marketing and brokerage buyout relate to more general practices in the real estate industry that are not necessarily unethical. Therefore, the correct identification of puffing underscores the importance of ethical standards in real estate practices.