If an owner insists that you do not mention a shared driveway to prospective purchasers, what should you do?

In real estate transactions, full disclosure is a fundamental principle, and agents have an ethical obligation to provide potential buyers with all pertinent information about a property. A shared driveway significantly impacts property use and can affect buyer decisions; therefore, it is important that prospective purchasers are made aware of such details.

If an owner insists that you do not mention a shared driveway, refusing the listing is the most ethically responsible choice. By doing so, you uphold your duty to act in the best interest of buyers while remaining compliant with legal requirements about transparency. This action prevents potential legal issues that could arise from failing to disclose important information, which could lead to disputes after the sale has taken place.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with the ethical standards expected of real estate professionals. Agreeing to the owner's request would compromise your obligation to disclose crucial information. Informing buyers only after the listing is misleading and could harm your reputation as an agent. Postponing the listing does not resolve the fundamental issue of disclosure and could be viewed as avoiding responsibility. Sticking to ethical practice ensures that you protect the interests of both buyers and the integrity of the real estate profession.