agency
universal agent
A universal agent is authorized to do everything the principal could lawfully do personally, across all matters, without limitation. This broad authority is usually created by a general power of attorney, such as one given to someone managing the affairs of a person who is incapacitated. Real estate brokers are rarely universal agents. The other types are general agents, with authority over a range of matters, and special agents, limited to one specific transaction.
- Exam tip
- Rank by authority: universal (broadest), general, special (narrowest). Listing brokers are typically special agents; property managers are typically general agents.
- Example
- An elderly man gives his daughter a general power of attorney to handle all of his legal and financial matters, making her his universal agent.
Related terms & state variants
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Last verified: 2026-10-23