Dual agency

In Virginia, dual agent is allowed to represent both buyers and seller in single property transaction. (Title 54.1-2139) But, if this happens, written consent from all parties is a must. You may already guess that this is not for the best interest for both buyer and seller. Savvy consumers should avoid this to happen. This dual agent can only act as an informer between buyer and seller, and can not guard the best interest for either buyer or seller , especially during deals negotiation. In Maryland this is not allowed. If a buyer asks the listing agent as his (her) agent, the listing agent must report it to broker. Then , the broker can designates an agent from this same broker house as buyer’s agent. This still is the dual agent case at the broker level. So, the written consent is still required.