What must a broker do when receiving a counter offer from a seller?

When a broker receives a counter offer from a seller, the primary obligation is to present that counter offer to the buyer. This is a fundamental part of the broker's duty to ensure that all offers and counter offers are communicated effectively between the parties involved. Presenting the counter offer allows the buyer to understand the seller's position and decide how they wish to respond—whether to accept, reject, or make another counter offer.

Effective communication is essential in the real estate transaction process, as it promotes transparency and enables the buyer to make an informed decision based on the seller’s revised terms. Furthermore, failing to present a counter offer could lead to liability issues for the broker and potential misunderstandings between the buyer and seller.

Engaging in discussions with other agents, rejecting the counter offer, or accepting it outright without the buyer's consent are not appropriate actions for the broker in this scenario. Each of these actions could hinder the negotiation process and violate the broker’s fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of their client.