It's only a sweet deal if the buyer and seller are happy with the outcome.  

I've done dual agency transactions before.  It must be done honorably and it is imperative that the buyer and seller each get excellent representation from you.  Each party must understand you will not disclose the secrets of the other. 

Back in the day when it was allowed I did it all the time. We are transaction brokers now which allows it. Just make sure everyone knows whats up and mind what you say to each party.

Why do you have to be a dual agent to have both sides? Why not represent the Seller and write the offer with the buyer as a customer? Dual agents can't do anything for either party anyway, so why not just represent your seller?

I did and i would do it again if a buyer is willing to submit offer with best terms that will work for both principals, and you have to disclosure your DA to all. 

I usually avoid dual agency. How can anyone truthfully represent both parties to their benefit? It is possible, however, one must be very careful not to divulge any information to either party. It is like skating on thin ice. I don't like to put myself in that situation.  I usually just refer out when faced with dual agency. 

Yes Desmond I have done it a few times. You have to be careful. I make sure that I do not assume anything and get my directions directly from the client even more so in a dual agency situation. If you do it right it can work, Are you presented with a dual agency situation now or just thinking about the future?

No but I have had a friend want to make an offer on my listing- I had my husband represent our friend and I represented my seller. We worked it out perfectly and everyone was happy.

If money is the only objective, than yes it is a sweet deal...

If you want to stay away from conflict of interest and do what is better for the consumer, than you will not do it.

Dual agency is the equvalent of being a double agent and talking out of both sides of your mouth.  Buyers and sellers have conflicting needs...if dual agency were really possible, there would only be one attorney in each courtroom.  They could run from one side of the table to another and pretend to represent both the plaintiff and defendant.

Attorneys loose their license over "conflict of interest".  Real estate agents involved in a conflict of interest simply get paid more.

Eve

In Florida, it is not dual agency, but transactional agency. do it all the time.

In my company we can defalut to transaction broker which isn't an agent for either (if both are in agreement). I have done that many times and if either party doesn't want that I will refer the buyer to another agent. No problem at all.

I have before, but it's better to have one agent on your team to represent the other party to avoid potential problems.

Before what? I have done some dual agency transaction, but I don't make a habit of it... you do tread a fine line.

Disclosed dual agency = ok in AZ. Although generally we avoid it, there are instances where I would prefer to have 'me on both sides then a bad agent on the other side'. You can always work for the seller, offer buyer customer-level service and avoid dual agency. Otherwise, just make sure that due diligence is comprehensive, seller fully discloses, and you maintain confidentiality where needed. However. If you sense that a party may be litigious, avoid it. Dual agency transactions also double your liability.

Not single agent dual agency...and wouldn't even though it's legal here in Arizona...

I used to live in a small city.  Most of my transactions were dual agency.  Working for the largest agency in the area now, many of my transactions are dual agency.

Dual agency, transaction broker or whatever. It can work!

I've avoided dual agency so far. In this case, I'd just tell the past client that I am representing the seller and would be happy to represent them as a customer. If they're okay with that, then let's go!

Pennsylvania allows dual agency with proper disclosure to both parties. The Consumer Notice which must be given at initial substantive meeting explains  agency options to enable the consumer to decide which type of representation they prefer. Other forms (listing contract, buyer representation contract and sales contracts) explain & identity & disclose options.

Dual agency is common in Erie market.

Dual agency is against the law in Florida. What you describe would be handled as a Tranaction Broker and YES, I have done many, many deals as a transaction broker. Just remember, that deal needs to be a win, win for both  you should deal honestly and fairly with all parties. 

I have done it and do not like the experience. It is a sweet deal but does require some extra concerns.

Desmond Neoh you are so right.  I have done a few dual agency deals - and barring one, it's always a pleasant experience.

I have, not frequently and not without full consent and understanding and both parties understanding the process and being experienced.

Not very often the agent is on 2 sides.

It happens.

Dual agency was removed from our agency options years ago.   If we have an unrepresented buyer interested in writing on our listing, we have to change status to Transaction Broker.   Some sellers do not agree to the status change.

Essentially in dual agenncy you become a mediator and eliminating a middleman.   

I've done several.  Some oft he sellers dislike me making so much money.  I simply explain to them that I would be representing the buyer on a home they purchased whether it was this one or another home.

Desmond Neoh I've done several dual agency transactions over the years. Dual agency is legal in my state, if it is properly disclosed and all parties sign up to it. Education is the key to a successful transaction for all involved.

Only 2 times in 13+ years.  If both buyer and seller are good with it ... then roll with it. I can work. I'd rather not get involved with it.

I do 50-60% dual agency.  17+ years without a complaint or a request to bring in another agent...Many have said that is was the best transaction they have ever done

I try to avoid dual agency.  I'd try to be too helpful and get myself in trouble.  I would consider it if the parties have had experience with the process.

I've done two in the last six months.  Best thing since sliced bread!  Always fully disclosed to both parties.  My sellers actually prefer me to find the buyers and would rather pay me the buyers side.  It's a rarity, but something I try for on each listing.  So far, I've gotten lucky twice.  Almost got lucky a third time at an open house!

Congrats Desmond Neoh, they are rare and beautiful transactions when they happen.  Cherish that and know your past client retention marketing is really working!

I always refer them out.  If its a past client, I just explain the situation and have them put themselves in the sellers position.  I bring in someone to represent them and take a big cut of the pie since I have the ready, willing, and able buyer to hand over.  They will still be my clients though.

we are listing agents, and we DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN DUAL AGENCY....we full expect and PREFER that all buyers have representation.... it's the clean deal.... we full explain buyer agency to buyers who approach us for new construction.... most will secure a buyer's agent....but there are those who do not want one, and we must go forth as representing the builder to sell them the house.... they have it in writing that we represent the seller.... they've heard it verbally in depth....  the rest is out of hands....

In Texas we are not allowed to act as a dual agent.  Our state law allows us to represent both parties as an intermediary.  The law is very specific as how the transaction must take place.  I have done them before, and if done correctly it is no big deal. 

Not if the buyer is an attorney with 2 pages of conditons. Offer gets rejected.

Your example does create a dilemma.  

Buyer and seller have to agree to the dual agency first. They aren't always sweet deals. Buyer can be unrepresented and still make an offer.

I prefer to represent the buyer in my transactions. I have done one dula agency assignment in the past and I did not like the experience of being an intermediary. This is why I work for only one party in a transaction.

Good luck.

Dual agency around here is common.  It is very nice.  I've had a few and am looking forward to my next one.  

Yes I've done many dual agency transactions. I requires the highest integrity and more communication skill as well as documentation. Experienced, skillful agents can do dual agency effectively but it's not for everyone.