What is dual agency in real estate?

Dual agency occurs when a single agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a real estate transaction. This arrangement can arise in scenarios where a buyer is interested in purchasing a property listed by the same agent representing the seller. The key aspect of dual agency is that the agent must balance the interests of both parties, which can create potential conflicts of interest.

For example, the agent is tasked with negotiating the best price and terms for the seller while also advocating for the buyer’s interests. To maintain ethical standards, the agent must disclose this dual representation to both parties and obtain their consent. This ensures that all parties are fully informed about the agent's role and the implications of having one individual represent both of their interests.

In contrast, when an agent represents only the seller, it is known as a seller's agency. If two different agents are involved, one representing the buyer and the other the seller, it constitutes a traditional agency relationship rather than dual agency. Additionally, selling a property at auction is unrelated to these representation roles and does not pertain to agency relationships within real estate.