agency
Designated Agency (Illinois Default)
Under Section 15-10 of the Illinois Real Estate License Act, unless a written agreement says otherwise, a licensee is considered to represent the consumer the licensee is working with as a designated agent. The sponsoring broker names specific licensees as a client's agents to the exclusion of others in the firm, so two designated agents in one firm can represent buyer and seller without dual agency. MLS participation creates no subagency, compensation does not determine agency, and consumers are not vicariously liable for licensees' acts.
- Exam tip
- 'Work with = work for.' Distractors claim the licensee represents the seller because the seller pays the commission.
- Example
- A buyer with no agreement starts working with a broker at an open house where a colleague is the listing agent. The broker is presumed to be the buyer's designated agent.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
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Last verified: 2026-10-23