Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

How should a salesperson handle an inquiry about potential environmental hazards on a property?

1. Assure the buyer all properties are safe by default

2. Conduct preliminary environmental assessments personally

3. Refer the buyer to environmental assessment professionals

4. Ignore inquiries unless the property is flagged

5. Rely on seller's disclosures without additional verification

6. Confirm with local municipal authority without informing the buyer

The correct answer is: Refer the buyer to environmental assessment professionals

Referring the buyer to environmental assessment professionals is the most appropriate course of action when handling inquiries about potential environmental hazards. This approach ensures that the buyer receives accurate and thorough information from qualified experts who are trained to assess and identify any risks associated with environmental conditions on the property. Environmental assessments often involve complex analyses that require specialized knowledge of various environmental regulations, potential hazards, and methodologies for evaluating risks. By directing the buyer to professionals, the salesperson helps guarantee that the information provided will be both reliable and comprehensive, allowing the buyer to make an informed decision based on detailed findings. Other responses suggest inadequate measures, such as making unwarranted assurances about safety, taking personal responsibility for conducting assessments, dismissing the inquiry, or relying solely on seller disclosures. Each of these actions could potentially mislead the buyer and expose the salesperson or brokerage to liability issues should hazards exist that were not properly evaluated.