When a buyer is a real estate broker's principal, what obligations do sales associates in the broker's office have?

When a buyer is a real estate broker's principal, the sales associates in the broker's office are bound by the broker's agency obligations. This means that they must act in the best interests of the buyer, who is their principal, while also adhering to the general ethical and legal responsibilities that come with their association within the brokerage.

Agency obligations typically include duties such as loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure, and accounting. These duties are foundational in real estate practices and ensure that the buyer’s interests are prioritized throughout the transaction process.

Understanding this arrangement is crucial because it aligns with the principles of fiduciary responsibility inherent in agency law. Sales associates are extensions of the broker, and hence, they must represent the interests of the buyer as mandated by the broker's agency framework.

Other options suggest that the sales associates might have no obligations, or only obligations to the buyer or seller, which do not accurately reflect the holistic responsibility that comes with being part of a brokerage. The correct answer underscores the comprehensive nature of agency obligations in ensuring ethical practices in real estate transactions.