Single agency avoids the conflicts inherent in dual agency. The agent can fully advocate for their client without competing obligations. Some brokerages operate as exclusive buyer agencies or exclusive seller agencies to ensure no dual agency situations arise.
A buyer-only brokerage exclusively represents buyers and never takes listings. This guarantees single agency — the brokerage always advocates 100% for the buyer with no seller loyalties.
Single agency = one party only = full fiduciary duties with no conflicts. Compare with dual agency (both parties, reduced duties) and transaction brokerage (neither party, limited duties). Single agency provides the HIGHEST level of representation.
Related Terms
Related Concepts
A legal relationship in which one person (the agent) is authorized to act on behalf of another person (the principal) in business transactions with third parties.
The highest legal obligation of trust and confidence owed by an agent to their principal, requiring the agent to act solely in the principal's best interest.
A situation where a single agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction.
An arrangement where a brokerage assigns separate agents within the firm to represent the buyer and seller in the same transaction, allowing each client to have dedicated representation.
A non-agency relationship where the broker facilitates a real estate transaction without representing either party, owing limited duties of honesty, fairness, and competence to both.
Frequently Asked Questions
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