What happens when you are interested in purchasing property that is being sold by the same real estate agency in charge of your buying needs? You may have concerns about a dual buyer/seller agent. Will this form of agency protect your interests, or that of the seller? Will you as buyer be able to share confidential information about your needs?

In states where dual agency is legal, the real estate agent will serve the needs of both parties fully, because good business practices and professional integrity require honesty and fairness. If a buyer and seller are both represented by the same agency, they will be asked to sign a dual agent contract acknowledging the affirmative obligations of the real estate agent. Neither party should fear being shortchanged because the other party's interests will come first. Because the real estate agent will honor the code of confidentiality, both parties may share sensitive information without undue anxiety.

A reputable real estate agency will help to reach a satisfactory outcome to negotiations for both parties in the transaction.