Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Explore Our Properties

The Perils in Double Agency

Sara Mullis October 13, 2025

Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions. You deserve a real estate professional who’s 100% in your corner. But what happens when the person handling your deal isn’t fully your advocate?
 
Two common scenarios—dual representation and transaction brokerage—can both leave you without the dedicated, loyal guidance you think you’re getting.
 

What Is Dual Representation (Dual Agency)?

Dual agency is when a real estate agent—or the same brokerage—represents both the buyer and the seller in a single transaction. It sounds efficient, but it limits what the agent can say, do, or advise.
 
Imagine this:

You’re selling your home, and your agent knows you’d accept $750,000. A buyer—also working with that same agent—asks if they should offer less than asking. The agent is stuck. Reveal your bottom line? They violate your trust. Say nothing? They aren’t helping the buyer fully either.
 
That’s the core problem: divided loyalties.
 

What Is Transaction Brokerage?

Transaction brokerage can sound different, but for clients, the experience is surprisingly similar to dual agency. In this arrangement, the licensee acts as a neutral facilitator—not representing either party as a “client,” but helping both as “customers” to complete the deal.
 
The broker can:
 
  • Share factual information
  • Help with paperwork
  • Coordinate the process
But they cannot:
 

  • Give you strategic negotiation advice

  • Disclose confidential information in your favor

  • Advocate exclusively for your best outcome

Why Both Can Be Risky for Clients

From your point of view, dual representation and transaction brokerage share the same big problem: you lose an advocate who’s solely focused on you.
 
  1. Conflict of Interest (or Lack of Loyalty)
    In dual agency, the agent tries to serve two masters. In transaction brokerage, they serve neither—meaning no one is actively protecting your side.
  2. Limited Advice
    In both scenarios, you won’t get the strong, strategic guidance you’d have with a single-agent advocate.
  3. Lower Negotiation Power
    Without an agent fully in your corner, you’re more likely to compromise on price, terms, or repairs.

Why Single Agency Is Better

A single agent works for only you—either the buyer or the seller. Here’s why that matters:
 

  • Clear loyalty: They put your goals first.

  • Stronger advice: They can speak freely and negotiate hard.

  • More transparency: You know exactly where they stand—on your side.

  • Better results: Deals are smoother, outcomes are often stronger.

The Bottom Line

Real estate is too important for half-measures. You deserve an agent who advocates for you—not both sides, and not neither. Whether it’s dual representation or transaction brokerage, the end result is the same: you’re navigating the biggest financial move of your life without a true advocate.
 
If you’re buying or selling, ask this upfront:
 
“Will you be representing only me in this transaction?”
It’s the clearest path to strong advocacy, ethical practice, and peace of mind.
 
And if this got you thinking about your next move, let’s connect. 
 

Recent Blog Posts

Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.

A Real Estate Agent's Advice for FSBO's

Let me offer something more useful: a few key strategies to help you do it better than 99% of FSBOs out there.

The Perils in Double Agency

Dual agency risks your deal—choose a single agent to ensure full loyalty, advocacy, and results.

Use This Winning Strategy To Build Wealth in Real Estate Today

Let’s explore why this Miami-centered strategy works—and how real buyers are using it today.

Three Things to Know About HOAs When Buying a Condominium

In Miami, nearly all condominiums fall under an HOA, which can significantly impact your ownership experience.

Miami: Real Estate Continues to Pay Off

Across much of the United States—and even in some parts of Florida—real estate markets are showing signs of cooling.

Good News About HOAs in Florida

Florida's vibrant condo market has long attracted buyers seeking sunshine and a low-maintenance lifestyle.

An elegant living room with a black marble fireplace, a sunburst mirror, and a gray sofa with a black velvet pillow.
What to Consider When You Buy Pre-Construction in Miami

Work with an experienced Miami real estate advisor who knows the developers, the timing windows, and the best projects for your goals.

A spacious, modern living room with a white sectional sofa, a fireplace, and large windows, decorated with minimalist art.
Don't Trust Zillow: 3 Reasons Home Value Estimates are Wrong

A professional realtor combines market data, local expertise, and real-time buyer demand to give you a true assessment of your home’s value.

South Florida Real Estate: Beyond the Headlines in 2025

Ignore the broad-brush negativity. Our market is moving, evolving, and very much alive.

View All

Let's Work Together

Ready to find your next investment or dream home? Whether you’re building a portfolio or looking for the perfect residence, we’re here to deliver clarity, strategy, and results.

Contact Us
Get in Touch
Contact Details

FOUR CORNERS REAL ESTATE

(786) 567-5034

[email protected]



2669 S Bayshore Dr #120
Miami FL 33133