If an agent refuses to follow a seller's instructions to show the home only to a specific religious group, which fiduciary duty is being breached?

The correct answer reflects a fundamental principle in real estate ethics and law: an agent is not required to obey instructions that are illegal or discriminatory. In this scenario, a seller's instruction to show a home only to a specific religious group violates the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on religion, among other factors. Therefore, if an agent were to follow such instructions, they would not only breach their fiduciary duty but also potentially engage in illegal discrimination, which can lead to severe legal consequences.

By refusing to comply with the seller's discriminatory instruction, the agent is upholding both ethical standards and legal obligations. This refusal ensures that all prospective buyers, regardless of religion, have the opportunity to view the property, thus promoting fairness and equality in housing. Such actions are in alignment with the agent's responsibilities to maintain lawful conduct while acting in their client's best interests.