When you’re buying or selling property, you’re not just dealing with contracts and commissions — you’re placing trust in someone to act in your best interest. This responsibility is called fiduciary duty in real estate, and it’s one of the most important principles every client should understand.

Experts such as Angelique Friend, a fiduciary who does work in California, understand that fiduciary work is more than paperwork or property management — it’s about showing the highest quality of loyalty, honesty, and care.

What Is Fiduciary Duty in Real Estate?

As a legal and ethical requirement in the real estate world, fiduciary duty is an obligation that an agent, trustee, or advisor has toward his or her client. It entails that he or she:

  • Act in good faith and place the client’s interests foremost. 
  • Make complete disclosure concerning pertinent information. 
  • Keep confidential sensitive information. 
  • Exercise skill, care, and diligence in handling transactions. 

When a person is named as a fiduciary trustee, their duties may be more than assisting with a sale. They might be dealing with property assets, administering trust accounts, or making sure beneficiaries get what they’re owed.

“Pro Tip: Always select a fiduciary who values transparency and can break down each decision in simple language.”

Why Does Fiduciary Duty Matter in Real Estate?

Think about selling your house and finding out your agent took a better offer for themselves on the side — that’s not only unethical, it’s a breach of fiduciary duty.

By law, fiduciaries are required to be free from conflicts of interest and keep your objectives ahead of their own financial interests. This responsibility guarantees that:

  • You are given truthful advice, not convenient advice. 
  • All offers and risks are brought out into the open clearly. 
  • Your assets are safeguarded at every step of the way. 

Angelique Friend’s practice as a fiduciary service provider is a prime example of how this trust is fulfilled in practice. She assists clients with managing estates, selling property, and administration of trusts but adheres always to fiduciary standards.

The fiduciary trustee role in managing property

A fiduciary trustee is not limited to mere real estate transactions. They typically:

  • Administer trust property or investment accounts. 
  • Control distribution of the assets among heirs or beneficiaries. 
  • Manage debts, taxes, and estate-related paperwork. 
  • Make strategic choices regarding when to sell or hold onto assets of a property. 

This position not only involves knowledge of the markets, but also flawless judgment, as trustees are both responsible to legal requirements and the individuals under their care.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fiduciary Duty

  1. What is the consequence if a fiduciary duty is violated?
     If your agent or trustee does not act in your best interest, they may be subject to fines, monetary penalties, and even license suspension. 
  2. How do I know if my real estate agent has fiduciary duty?
     Licensed agents in most states in the U.S. automatically owe fiduciary duty to their clients once a signed contract is in place. Always check your agency agreement for confirmation. 
  3. Is a fiduciary trustee the same as an executor?
     Not always. An executor deals with a will after a person dies, while a trustee deals with assets put in a trust — sometimes during a lifetime. Both call for fiduciary duty. 
  4. Can fiduciary duty extend to investment property?
     Yes. Trustees or agents dealing with rental property or commercial investments must still act with complete loyalty and care toward clients.

Key Takeaways

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Fiduciary responsibility is more than a technical legal requirement — it’s doing the right thing by people. Whether choosing a real estate agent or naming a trustee, ensure they fully grasp this obligation.

Need fiduciary services in California? Contact Angelique Friend today to rest assured that your assets, property, and legacy are well taken care of.