What violation did Leslie commit when advising a buyer's agent to submit a low offer?

When advising a buyer's agent to submit a low offer, the violation that Leslie committed revolves around typically defined duties within an agency relationship under Indiana real estate law. In this context, the principal (the seller) has an expectation that the agent will act in their best interest, which includes both the representation of true intentions and the duty to negotiate favorable terms.

By suggesting a low offer, Leslie may not be aligning with the seller's best interests, which constitutes a violation of that agency relationship. The agency law in Indiana mandates that agents must act in a manner that does not misrepresent the principal's position or intend to encourage an outcome that could be detrimental to the seller's interests.

This advice might undermine the potential for achieving a higher sale price, which can harm the seller financially. It places the agent's actions in direct conflict with their obligation to the seller, which is a key component of fiduciary duty within agency law. The focus here is on the agent's failure to regard the seller's welfare, which is fundamental in any agency relationship.

In summary, this situation illustrates a neglect of the responsibilities that come with the representation of the seller's interests, leading to a violation of the agency relationship as defined by Indiana real estate law.