A Massachusetts broker knows of a serious hidden structural defect that would likely influence a...

The correct answer is B. Massachusetts professional obligations and Chapter 93A materially limit any simplistic reliance on caveat emptor by real estate licensees.

Board continuing-education guidance expressly states that known latent or material defects must be disclosed. Chapter 93A also exposes real estate brokers and salespersons to liability for unfair or deceptive practices where information affecting a purchaser ' s decision is concealed or misrepresented.

The seller and broker do not necessarily have identical disclosure obligations. A private seller may have narrower common-law duties in some circumstances, while the professional licensee is engaged in trade or commerce and is subject to additional consumer-protection standards.

The broker therefore cannot follow a seller ' s unlawful instruction to hide a known material problem. Loyalty to the client never authorizes fraud or deceptive conduct.

Study Guide Reference: Practice of Real Estate — Material Defects, Chapter 93A and Broker Disclosure Duties.