What Is Dual Agency, and Should I Avoid It
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
- 100 first time home buyer FAQs
1. What Is Dual Agency, Exactly?
In a typical home sale, one agent represents the buyer, and another represents the seller. With dual agency, a single agent represents both sides. That means:
- The agent writes up your offer…
- …but also advises the seller on how to respond
Legally, the agent must remain neutral—but practically, it can be hard to serve both clients’ best interests at the same time.
2. The Conflict: Can One Agent Truly Be Fair to Both?
Here’s the issue: buying and selling a home is a negotiation. You want the lowest price; the seller wants the highest.
When one person is advising both parties, they’re limited in what they can share—no price advice, no strategy, no confidential info.While dual agency is legal in some states, many buyers prefer their own dedicated representation to avoid blurred lines or missed opportunities.
3. Should You Avoid It? That Depends on Your Comfort Level
If you trust the agent, feel informed, and understand the limits of dual agency, you may decide it’s okay. But if you:
- Want someone to negotiate fiercely on your behalf
- Prefer full transparency and undivided loyalty
- Value having your own advocate every step of the way
…then it’s a smart move to hire your own buyer’s agent.
Not Sure If Dual Agency Is Right for You? Let’s Talk It Through
Download our free “First-Time Buyer Game Plan” eBook — includes questions to ask before agreeing to dual agency
Chat live now to discuss the pros and cons of shared representation
Schedule a call with a Stairway Mortgage advisor or agent partner to ensure your interests are protected
At Stairway Mortgage, we believe every buyer deserves clear guidance and full advocacy—
because buying a home isn’t the time to share your voic
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1. What Is Dual Agency, Exactly?
In a typical home sale, one agent represents the buyer, and another represents the seller. With dual agency, a single agent represents both sides. That means:
- The agent writes up your offer…
- …but also advises the seller on how to respond
Legally, the agent must remain neutral—but practically, it can be hard to serve both clients’ best interests at the same time.
2. The Conflict: Can One Agent Truly Be Fair to Both?
Here’s the issue: buying and selling a home is a negotiation. You want the lowest price; the seller wants the highest.
When one person is advising both parties, they’re limited in what they can share—no price advice, no strategy, no confidential info.While dual agency is legal in some states, many buyers prefer their own dedicated representation to avoid blurred lines or missed opportunities.
3. Should You Avoid It? That Depends on Your Comfort Level
If you trust the agent, feel informed, and understand the limits of dual agency, you may decide it’s okay. But if you:
- Want someone to negotiate fiercely on your behalf
- Prefer full transparency and undivided loyalty
- Value having your own advocate every step of the way
…then it’s a smart move to hire your own buyer’s agent.
Not Sure If Dual Agency Is Right for You? Let’s Talk It Through
📘 Download our free “First-Time Buyer Game Plan” eBook — includes questions to ask before agreeing to dual agency
💬 Chat live now to discuss the pros and cons of shared representation
📞 Schedule a call with a Stairway Mortgage advisor or agent partner to ensure your interests are protected
At Stairway Mortgage, we believe every buyer deserves clear guidance and full advocacy—
because buying a home isn’t the time to share your voice.