A licensee should handle a matter beyond their expertise by doing which of the following?

• A. Always give their own unqualified opinion
• B. Refuse to engage with the client
• C. Identify themselves as a REALTOR and clearly state do not rely upon my advice
• D. Guarantee a favorable outcome

Answer: (C)

When a licensee encounters a matter outside their expertise, the right approach is to be transparent about the limits of their advice and guide the client toward appropriate help. Identifying oneself as a REALTOR and clearly stating that the client should not rely on that advice communicates a professional boundary: it shows you’re honest about what you can responsibly advise on, and it directs the client to seek qualified input for the issue at hand. This protects the client from relying on incomplete or incorrect information and supports ethical practice by avoiding misleading assurances.

Giving an unqualified opinion would risk misrepresentation. Refusing to engage with the client ignores the duty to assist and can undermine the transaction. Guaranteeing a favorable outcome is misleading and unethical, as outcomes cannot be guaranteed and should not be promised.