agency

single agency

Single agency is a relationship in which the brokerage represents only one party in a transaction, either the seller or the buyer, and owes full fiduciary duties to that one client. The other party is treated as a customer who receives honesty and fair dealing but not representation. Single agency avoids the conflicts of interest found in dual agency. Whether and how other forms such as designated agency or transaction brokerage are allowed varies by state.

Exam tip: Single agency means one client per transaction, not one client ever. Know how it differs from dual agency, where both parties are represented.
Example: A buyer's broker represents only the buyer when purchasing a home listed by another firm; the seller is a customer to that broker.

1. A broker allows dual agency with consent. Which duty is generally limited in dual agency compared with single agency?

Answer & explanation

Answer: C. Dual agents cannot give either party undivided loyalty or advocate against the other, so loyalty and advocacy are limited. Honesty, care, and accounting remain fully owed.

Related terms & state variants

client customer designated agency dual agency transaction broker

Sources

Source verification pending. Confirm current requirements with your state regulator.

Last verified: 2026-10-23