{"id":26340,"date":"2026-10-09T14:10:39","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T14:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/?p=26340"},"modified":"2026-10-09T14:10:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T14:10:41","slug":"a-sellers-secret-that-could-be-dangerous-why-realtors-cant-always-keep-quiet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/a-sellers-secret-that-could-be-dangerous-why-realtors-cant-always-keep-quiet\/","title":{"rendered":"A Seller\u2019s Secret That Could Be Dangerous? Why REALTORS\u00ae Can\u2019t Always Keep Quiet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In real estate, keeping a secret can be a good thing\u2014until that secret involves a potentially dangerous problem hiding inside a house.<\/strong> A seller might prefer to keep an embarrassing property issue under wraps, but REALTORS\u00ae can\u2019t simply sweep serious defects under the rug and hope nobody notices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s the lesson behind an ethics question addressed by the National Association of REALTORS\u00ae (NAR), and it remains relevant under the <strong>2026 Code of Ethics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine this: A home inspection uncovers a cracked furnace heat exchanger, potentially creating a serious safety concern. The seller refuses to fix it and tells the listing agent not to mention it to future buyers. The agent declines to keep the secret and ends the listing relationship. Later, the home goes back on the market with another broker, leaving the first agent wondering whether to speak up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Awkward? Absolutely. But the rules provide important guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confidentiality Has Its Limits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">REALTORS\u00ae have a duty to protect clients\u2019 confidential information, including sensitive details about their finances, negotiating strategies, and motivation to sell. That responsibility doesn&#8217;t disappear just because the listing agreement ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, <strong>hidden material property defects are not considered confidential under the REALTOR\u00ae Code of Ethics.<\/strong> Standard of Practice 1-9 makes that distinction clear. And when legal requirements conflict with the Code, the law takes priority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In other words, a seller can&#8217;t simply declare a potentially dangerous defect top-secret and expect the agent to play along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For sellers, the message is simple: Disclosing a problem upfront may be uncomfortable, but trying to hide it can create much bigger headaches. Honesty helps buyers make informed decisions and reduces the risk of disputes after closing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For buyers, it&#8217;s another reminder to ask questions, review seller disclosures, and arrange appropriate inspections. No house comes with a magical guarantee that every problem will be obvious during a showing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And for REALTORS\u00ae, the takeaway is that protecting a client doesn&#8217;t mean agreeing to every request. Agents should understand their ethical and legal obligations, document important conversations, and seek legal advice when a situation gets complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The bottom line for 2026?<\/strong> Client confidentiality matters, but it isn&#8217;t a get-out-of-disclosure-free card. When a hidden defect could put people at risk, doing the right thing means putting honesty and safety ahead of a seller&#8217;s wish to keep an uncomfortable secret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After all, a house may have a few surprises\u2014but a potentially dangerous furnace shouldn&#8217;t be one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source:<\/strong> REALTOR\u00ae Magazine<br \/>\u201cLaw Supersedes Seller Confidentiality Requirement in Code\u201d<br \/>National Association of REALTORS\u00ae<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In real estate, keeping a secret can be a good thing\u2014until that secret involves a potentially dangerous problem hiding inside a house. A seller might prefer to keep an embarrassing property issue under wraps, but REALTORS\u00ae can\u2019t simply sweep serious defects under the rug and hope nobody notices. That\u2019s the lesson behind an ethics question &hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.anthonydidonato.net\/wordpress\/a-sellers-secret-that-could-be-dangerous-why-realtors-cant-always-keep-quiet\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,8],"tags":[5,32,4,9],"class_list":["post-26340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-real-estate-tips","tag-anthony-didonato","tag-news","tag-real-estate","tag-tips","item-wrap"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Seller\u2019s Secret That Could Be Dangerous? 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Skilled, smart and enthusiastic about his work and his life, Anthony DiDonato has the appealing combination of business sense and people skills gives him an edge in an industry that demands both. Educated at Drexel University with a dual major in accounting and finance and minors in management and psychology Anthony DiDonato offers over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has been a real estate investor since 1985 and a member of H.A.P.C.O. (Landlord Association). He became a licensed Realtor in 1992 and a member of the Local, Pennsylvania and National Associations of Realtors. Anthony DiDonato is also a member of the Computerized Multiple Listings, (MLS) and Internet Marketing Programs. In 1997 Anthony DiDonato became Century 21 All-Elite, Inc. Corporate Secretary. Anthony DiDonato believes in taking his profession to the highest level of quality service. 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He is known for finding that \u201cperfect\u201d property in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania for his buyers and helping his sellers prepare their properties so they sell quickly and efficiently. When it comes time to negotiate the terms of a contract, Anthony DiDonato has the knowledge, experience, and professionalism applied to meeting \u2013 or exceeding \u2013 his clients\u2019 expectations. His service to his clients is second to none. His honesty and integrity have been his claim to fame. 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