Single Agency
Definition
A practice where the agent or brokerage represents only one party in a transaction — either the buyer or the seller, but never both.
Example
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.
Exam Tip
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 Agency Terms
Agency Relationship
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.
Fiduciary Duty
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.
Dual Agency
A situation where a single agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction.
Designated Agency
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.
Transaction Brokerage
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.
Agency by Estoppel
An agency relationship created when a principal's actions or words lead a third party to reasonably believe that an agent has authority, and the principal fails to correct this belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Test Your Agency Knowledge
Practice with exam-style questions to make sure you can apply Single Agency and other agency concepts.