level 9 chapter 2 single and dual agency
is dual agency legal in ga?
(Dual agency is legal in Georgia.) If a client is a party to a dual agency relationship, that client MUST consent (in writing through formal, informed consent) to do so.
Landlord's Agent
A landlord's agent is similar to a seller's agent. The landlord's agent is a single agent who has agreed to represent the landlord's interests in a real estate transaction (to lease, not sell, a property). The landlord is the principal/client of the landlord's agent, and the landlord's agent owes all fiduciary duties to the landlord.
Tenant's Agent
A tenant's agent, also known as a tenant representative, is most similar to a buyer's agent. The tenant's agent is a single agent who has agreed to represent the tenant's interests in a real estate transaction (to rent, not buy, a property). The tenant is the principal/client of the tenant's agent, and the tenant's agent owes all fiduciary duties to the tenant.
First Substantive Contact with dual agency
An agent may obtain advance informed consent in writing to operate as a dual agent during their first substantive contact with a client, even if that agent plans to operate as a single agent. This is often called advance consent to dual agency.
Designated Agency
Designated agency is an agency arrangement wherein both parties to the transaction are represented by their own agent, but both agents are employed by the same brokerage. By necessity, each client enjoys an agency relationship exclusively with the named agent within the brokerage. So, a designated sales agent is a license holder (appointed by their broker) who represents the interests of one of the two parties in an in-house real estate transaction.
Dual Agency
Dual agency is an agency relationship wherein both the buyer and the seller are represented by the same broker in an in-house real estate transaction. It's kind of the opposite of single agency! In Georgia, dual agency is sometimes called divided agency.
First Substantive Contact with Buyer's and Tenant's Agents
For an agent supporting a buyer or tenant, first substantive contact would probably take the form of: Showing the buyer or tenant a property
First Substantive Contact with Seller's and Landlord's Agents
For an agent supporting a seller or landlord, first substantive contact would probably take the form of: Discussing confidential, and potentially compromising, information with the seller Drawing up a contract to sell or lease
One Agent, Two Principals
In some cases of dual agency, one agent might represent both principals involved in a transaction. This is the simplest form of dual agency.
Responsibilities for a seller's agent
Locating a suitable buyer for the seller Negotiating the best possible offer for the seller Preparing the seller for closing
Responsibilities for a buyer's agent
Locating a suitable property for the buyer Negotiating the best possible offer for the buyer Preparing the buyer for closing
forms of dual agency
One Agent, Two Principals/ Two Agents, Two Principals
Single Agency Co-Op
Single agency co-op means that a brokerage ONLY deals with single agency relationships (one agent representing one client, buyer, or seller), but they serve both sellers and landlords, buyers and tenants.
singe agency
Single agency is an agency arrangement in which one agent represents one party in a real estate transaction; the party may be either a seller or a buyer. This is also known as exclusive agency, which makes sense! The agent is exclusively responsible for their client and their client only.
Dual Agency: What NOT to Disclose
The other party's willingness to pay more or take less for a property The other party's motivations to buy or sell a property The other party's willingness to accept different terms than appear in the offer The financial condition of the other party
Undisclosed Dual Agency
Undisclosed dual agency is the term for when both parties to a real estate transaction are unknowingly represented by the same broker. The practice of undisclosed agency is a violation of fiduciary duties to both parties in the transaction. In most states, undisclosed dual agency is illegal...Implied Dual Agency Leads to Undisclosed Agency
Implied Dual Agency
implied agency relationship arises when a party assumes consent to the relationship based solely upon inferences formed by the actions, conduct, and words of either or both parties.
Two Agents, Two Principals
one agent might represent a buyer, while a second agent represents a seller. But if both agents are sponsored by the same broker, then the principals are technically working with the same broker. That makes it an in-house transaction and an example of dual agency.