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Sep. 22, 2025

Court narrows broker duties in Malibu property dispute

A Malibu buyer's claims against Sotheby's International Realty over unpermitted construction failed, with the court holding that brokers need only disclose issues, not investigate their significance.

Court narrows broker duties in Malibu property dispute
Bayan Salehi

Los Angeles County Judge Alison Mackenzie on Thursday granted summary judgment to Sotheby's International Realty, dismissing negligence and fiduciary duty claims brought by a music executive who alleged his $3.4 million Malibu home was uninhabitable due to unpermitted construction.

The ruling underscores California courts' reluctance to expand real estate brokers' duties beyond disclosure requirements, even in high-stakes property disputes. Mackenzie found Sotheby'...

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