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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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. 

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...

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

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.  

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.....

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

I have been a dual agent many times. 

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

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.

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