In real estate, another word for “customer” is “prospect”, and is the party owed the lowest legal standard of care. In practical terms, this means that everything the customer/prospect tells or shares with a listing agent can be shared with the property owner. It is the “client” that is owed the highest level of accountability and confidentiality, and is the party whose best interests are paramount and must be preserved and protected. Just as you would with an attorney, insist on a client relationship with your real estate advisor. Of note is that the client relationship must be established at the initial meeting or conversation and before any discussions occur.