The family limb of the same-team test applies to spouses regardless of which agency each is registered with
A worked RES examination question on related persons test, from our Paper 2 bank — with the rule it turns on, and why each of the four options is right or wrong.
The question
A husband and wife are both registered salespersons, but with two different estate agents. The husband is marketing a flat for its seller. The wife would like to act for a buyer interested in that same flat, and the couple see no problem since they work for separate firms.
Which statement is correct?
The answer, and why
Answer: B
The rule. The family limb of the same-team test applies to spouses regardless of which agency each is registered with. A spouse may not represent the buyer for the other spouse's listing.
Why B is correct. Husband and wife are one team through the family limb, whatever their agencies, so the wife may not act for a buyer on the husband's listing.
The other options.
- A relies on the different agencies. Marriage crosses agency lines.
- C offers disclosure of the agencies as a cure. It does not escape the family limb.
- D calls the marriage a private matter outside the PSM. The PSM's family limb reaches it.
Exam note. "Different estate agents entirely" is the decoy. Marriage is a same-team link across agencies, and it is not a private matter outside the PSM.
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Independent study material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Council for Estate Agencies. No pass guarantee — for study use only.