EstatePass
AgencyDual_agencyMEDIUM

A Virginia seller, Mr. Holt, is represented by agent Rachel at Summit Realty. During an open house, buyer Evan — who has no agent — expresses strong interest in the property and asks Rachel to write an offer for him. Rachel explains that she represents the seller and describes the dual agency option. Evan and Mr. Holt both sign a written dual agency consent form. Which of the following duties does Rachel continue to owe to BOTH parties after the dual agency consent is signed?

Correct Answer

D) The duty of honesty and the duty to account for all funds received

Even in a dual agency arrangement, certain duties survive and apply equally to both parties. Under Virginia law, a dual agent must remain honest with both parties and must properly account for any funds received on their behalf. These duties — honesty/fair dealing and proper accounting — are not diminished by the dual agency consent. What is limited is the agent's duty of undivided loyalty and the ability to advocate one-sidedly. Va. Code § 54.1-2139 preserves these baseline obligations.

Answer Options
A
The duty to disclose each party's confidential motivations to the other
B
The duty to aggressively negotiate the best price for each party simultaneously
C
The duty to recommend that each party accept the other's initial offer
D
The duty of honesty and the duty to account for all funds received

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Agency Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Agency

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Agency

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Agency Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

dual_agencyfiduciary_dutieshonestyaccountingsurviving_duties

Related Concepts

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.

An agency relationship created when a principal approves or accepts an agent's previously unauthorized actions, effectively granting authority after the fact.

The legal requirement for real estate agents to inform all parties about who they represent in a transaction, typically provided at first substantive contact.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Agency Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Agency Questions

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing