Whether or not to appoint associates in an intermediary real estate transaction is?

The correct answer highlights that the decision regarding the appointment of associates in an intermediary real estate transaction is ultimately at the discretion of the broker. This is based on the principle that brokers have the independence to determine how they operate their business and engage with clients in transactions. While state laws may provide guidelines for how intermediary transactions should be conducted, they do not mandate the appointment of associates.

In practice, a broker may choose to involve associates based on their assessment of the transaction needs, the complexity of the deal, or to ensure that all parties involved receive adequate representation. The broker's experience and judgment come into play when deciding whether adding associates would enhance the level of service provided to clients or streamline the transaction process.

This choice reflects an important aspect of agency relationships, where the broker must exercise their expertise in navigating transactions while also adhering to any existing laws and guidelines, rather than being bound by mandatory requirements for appointing associates.