Residential properties are often listed for sale by real estate agents at the high end of their value and, in some cases, are over-priced for negotiation purposes. Agents will sometimes suggest to prospective purchasers that they make an offer of less than the listed price, knowing this information concerning the value of the property.

Given that most purchasers of residential housing are inexperienced at the purchase of property and, perhaps, unaware of the pricing practices, is this an ethical approach for agents to take in a sale?