A dual agent is a real estate agent who has
signed a buyer agency agreement with a buyer who wishes
to purchase a listing held by the agent's firm.
Dual agency often isn't intentional. Perhaps you
called the agency and asked to see a listing held by
another firm. You hired one of the agents as your
buyer's agent, but then found that the first house
wasn't the right one for your needs. Now you're looking
at many other homes, including listings held by your
buyer agent's firm.
Dual agents must be loyal to both the buyer and
seller, so ask your agent to explain dual agency before
it happens. Get all of the what-ifs. Find out exactly
what you can expect from you agent should dual agency
occur.
When dual agency is allowed, it must usually be
agreed to in writing by all parties. Real estate laws
differ, so ask about dual agency rules in your state.