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Rainmaker
1,052,321
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I prefer NOT to represent both parties, and far prefer to represent seller/landlord only over buyer/tenant. HOWEVER, I have a saying: "It is better to have one of me directing traffic than a second agent who is just gumming up the works." So if need be, it is fine. We overload the buyer with due diligence collateral and insist that seller make full disclosure and then some.

Feb 05, 2016 10:45 PM
Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

Virginia highly discourages it to the point that if we do practice dual representation, we are not able to advise either one of our clients. I have done it for landlords and tenants, but prefer not to.

Feb 05, 2016 11:17 PM
Ambassador
1,453,069
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I do it often and of course, it is at the Brokerage level.

Feb 05, 2016 11:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Multiple representation, as it is called in Ontario, is at the brokerage level.

Feb 05, 2016 11:12 PM
Rainmaker
113,294
Marie-Denise Kratsios
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Huntington, NY
Where ever you are, that's where I'll be!

In NY we do have Dual Agency, buy we don't practice that within my company.  We also have in NY something called "Dual Agency with Designated Agents," which means that I can represent my sellers property and another agent within my company can represent a buyer for that property.  I believe that some people who have commented on this thread referred to it as practicing Dual Agency on a Brokerage Level. 

Feb 09, 2016 01:51 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Tony and Suzanne - I would avoid it like the plague. It's just not me.

Feb 08, 2016 10:44 AM
Rainmaker
864,658
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

I prefer not to be a dual agent. My goal is to best represent my client. I haven't found a solution how I can protect both a seller and buyer interests at the same time. 

Feb 06, 2016 03:01 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers - it is legal in MA.

I have done it in past - not as much a fan of it since my last terrible experience where i was looking for WIN-WIN and...

Feb 06, 2016 02:20 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Our brokerage doesn't allow dual agency so it makes it easy.

Feb 06, 2016 11:53 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Virginia allows it, but as Chrissi Chapman Topoleski explains it, it's not really representation at all.  It's really just an agent getting paid twice for not advising anyone.  As such, I don't do it.   My policy is to stick with my sellers in these situations.

Sticky situation arose a few years ago when my aunt wanted to buy one of my listings.  I referred her to another agent.  I believe whole heartedly in representation and was so glad she got it.  So was she.  

Feb 06, 2016 10:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,503,028
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I love having both sides.  2/3 of my transactions last year were that way and my first of this year was too!  I encourage it!  I of course disclose it upfront to all parties involved.

Feb 06, 2016 10:10 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

It is allowed and I do about 60% with no complaints in 17+ years and many accolades of how easy the deal went

Feb 06, 2016 09:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

PA recognizes Single agency, dual and designated agency as well as non-agency transaction agency.

Feb 06, 2016 08:53 AM
Rainmaker
140,768
Joan Dickie
Keller Williams Premier Realty - La Crosse, WI
Keller Williams Premier Realty

It is legal in my states.  I prefer not to do it when I have the listing, but I'll do it in MN when I am helping out an associate who is the listing agent.

Feb 06, 2016 08:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers Yes, as long as all parties understand and it is properly disclosed.

Feb 06, 2016 08:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,726,096
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

In Florida we are assumed to be Transactional Agents and only need sign an agency disclosure if not.

Feb 06, 2016 07:34 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,912
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Texas does not practice Dual Agency but practices Intermediary. I would rather both parties have their own representation but I occasionally operate in Intermediary. I once acted in Intermediary for 2 attorneys..one of the smoothest transactions I've had the pleasure to work.

Feb 06, 2016 07:17 AM
Rainmaker
4,161,147
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers This is an excellent question.

Feb 06, 2016 07:15 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

neither I nor anyone for whom I market has ever participated in dual agency.... we pick a side and stay there....our side is the listing end.... and we are buyer's agents if our sellers want to relocate locally.....

Feb 06, 2016 05:32 AM
Rainmaker
763,983
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Life would be better for all buyers and sellers if I represented all of them on their transactons as a dual agent.  Both parties would be treated fairly, honestly and get the good mutual deal.  in my humble opinion.

Feb 06, 2016 04:10 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I can't fathom how a single agent can practice dual agency?

Feb 06, 2016 03:20 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,442
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have sold hundreds of properties while representing the seller. Fairness for all is a good business policy.

Feb 06, 2016 03:07 AM
Rainmaker
175,614
Spirit Messingham
Tierra Antigua Realty - Tucson, AZ
Third Generation Full-Time Realtor® 520 471-6900

It is allowed as long as we disclosure. I make sure to explain agency to buyers before we start looking and if it is a problem, then I will not show them ANY properties represented by my brokerage, as that is dual agency.  Course, we are one of the larger brokerages in Tucson, so they dont want that.   I represented both sides on 7 listings I represented and sold last year.   I disclosed to all, had all the proper forms and several commented how much better they liked it with only one agent "in the middle" or having to deal with.  Again, opinions vary.   I let them know it is their choice.

Feb 06, 2016 02:17 AM
Rainer
1,780
Rebecca Ward
Barcroft Realty Group - Alexandria, VA
Realtor serving Northern Virginia

I personally don't do it but I know many agents who do. However I don't understand why a seller let would agree to it unless the agent makes it monetarily advantageous

Feb 05, 2016 11:58 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Tony and Suzanne,

We never had any problems with that.  It is disclosed, and our clients were savvy business people with advisers.  We have always represented the deal not the commission.  A

Feb 05, 2016 11:38 PM
Rainmaker
656,040
Jeffrey Jones
AZ Home Seekers - San Tan Valley, AZ
AZ Home Seekers, azhomeseekers.com

since we are a couple, i take one party Debbie takes the other; they understand its dual agency but feel they have their own agent. never had a problem.

Feb 05, 2016 11:35 PM
Rainmaker
4,334,347
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

If this does happen, we will offer other representation. However, no one has ever taken us up on this... 

Feb 05, 2016 11:32 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

It is legal here and in ten years have only done one sale representing both sides.

Prefer to have each side represented if the other agent is competent.

Feb 05, 2016 11:24 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

As often as possible.

And for those who ask the predictable follow up, "Yes an agent can as long as the one who hired them is not betrayed." If the way to do that, not betray the one who hired the agent, is unknown, avoiding dual agency should be mandatory for that agent.

Feb 05, 2016 11:19 PM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

It's legal and common. I prefer representing one side but have been a dual agent a couple of times recently.  The extra commish is nice, but I still prefer representing one side. I typically only operate as a dual agent when it benefits the principles (when being a dual agent puts the deal together .... reducing the commish, or buying that fridge etc).

Feb 05, 2016 11:06 PM
Rainer
80,653
Linda Guess
Keller Williams Tri-Lakes Branson, MO - Branson, MO
Branson area real estate sales.

I have been a dual agent many times. 

Feb 05, 2016 10:51 PM
Rainmaker
911,448
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

It's legal here but discouraged. I rarely do it, and instead just have buyer sign " Unrepresented Buyer" form.

Feb 05, 2016 10:51 PM
Rainmaker
1,544,043
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Ah, a reoccurring question on the Q&A.

  • I did it all the time with shorts sales, no issues, no conflicts.
  • I do it frequently, when the buyer is an investor and dictates his/her own terms, just uses me to push the offer through, no advice, no negotiating.
  • I do it never when it's multiple offers and retail buyers asking me; typically I have my partner take the buyers on referral from me, I remain arms length. I do not have the skill-set it takes to advise my buyer on strategy & price, when my loyalty is to my seller in that circumstance.
Feb 05, 2016 10:47 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Many agents do a great job with this, I prefer to stick with listings and refer the buyers.

May 07, 2019 08:19 PM