Under the Illinois Real Estate License Act, if no written agreement establishes a different agency relationship, how is a consumer treated by default?

Correct Answer

B) As a party in a designated agency relationship unless a written agreement provides otherwise

Under 225 ILCS 454/15-75, Illinois establishes designated agency as the default framework for brokerage relationships. Unless a written agreement expressly creates a different relationship — such as single agency, dual agency, or a customer-only arrangement — a consumer working with a licensee is presumed to be a client under designated agency. In designated agency, the sponsoring broker designates one or more licensees to represent the client exclusively within the brokerage, allowing the brokerage to represent both buyer and seller in the same transaction without full dual-agency conflicts.