What is wrong with Fatima assisting buyers during an open house?

Fatima's situation revolves around the concept of dual agency, which occurs when a single real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. The issue with Fatima assisting buyers during an open house arises because she may be placed in a position where her actions could lead to a conflict of interest.

In Maryland, if a licensee represents both parties involved in a transaction without the proper disclosures and consent, it can violate regulations concerning dual agency. A consent form is essential because it ensures both parties understand and agree to the potential implications of the agent representing both sides. Since Fatima is assisting buyers while also having a relationship with the seller, she must be cautious about this dual representation to avoid any ethical violations, so the correct answer asserts that she isn't permitted to act as a dual agent without clear prior consent from both the buyer and the seller.

The other options, while related, don't accurately address the core issue of dual agency. Waiting until the open house is over or needing to reaffirm consent before helping buyers may not align with the requirements surrounding dual agency, as the primary concern is ensuring proper consent is in place at any point of engagement. Additionally, the aspect of whether or not she needs a Consent for Dual Agency form ties directly back