Can my agent work for me and the buyer?

You are right to be uneasy, and you have a third option that nobody has offered you yet: ask for designated agency instead. First, the honest answer to your question. No, one person cannot fully advocate for both sides. Not because agents are dishonest, but because the job is structurally impossible. My duty to you includes advising you on how hard to push, what the buyer's weak points are, and where I think they would go higher. The moment I also represent them, I have to stop doing that for you and stop doing the mirror image of it for them. What is left is a facilitator who moves paper and keeps both sides calm. That can be perfectly competent. It is just not representation, and you should know which one you are buying. Now the option. In Indiana this is handled under what the statute calls limited agency, and it requires prior written consent from both of you. But most brokerages can also appoint two different licensees, one for you and one for the buyer, both inside the same office. That is designated agency. The commission still stays in the house, so your agent is not giving anything up financially, and you get someone whose only job is your side of the table. If she pushes back on that, ask why, and listen carefully to the answer. On your last question, whether she comes out on top: she will earn both sides of the commission here. That is not automatically wrong, plenty of dual-agency deals are clean, but it does mean the person advising you on whether to accept this offer is paid more if you accept this offer. Name that out loud. A good agent will not flinch. Three things I would do this week: 1. Ask in writing for designated agency, a different licensee for the buyer. 2. Ask her to pull the comparable sales again, fresh, before you respond to the offer, so you are pricing against the market rather than against the one offer in front of you. 3. If she will not do either, you can consent to limited agency and hire a real estate attorney for a few hundred dollars to review the contract. That buys back the advocacy you gave up. And do not sign the consent form until you have read it. In most states, agreeing after the fact is where sellers get hurt, not the arrangement itself. I am Zoltan Peresztegi, a real estate professional in Los Angeles and the South Bay, not an attorney, and Indiana practice differs from California. But the designated agency ask works almost everywhere and it costs you nothing to make it. Zoltan

Yes, in many states a real estate agent can represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, but only if it is permitted by state law and both parties give their informed consent. This is often called dual agency. While it can make the transaction more streamlined, it also changes the agent's role. Instead of advocating exclusively for one side, the agent must remain neutral and cannot favor either party during negotiations. Your concern is a common one. An agent representing both sides cannot negotiate as aggressively for either the buyer or the seller because they have duties to both clients. They can facilitate the transaction, explain the process, and help both parties reach an agreement, but there are limits to the advice they can provide when interests conflict. You are not required to agree to dual agency. If you are uncomfortable with the arrangement, ask about your options. Depending on your state's laws and your brokerage's policies, another agent from the brokerage may be able to represent one of the parties, or the buyer may choose to work with a different agent. Before making a decision, ask your agent to explain exactly how representation works in your state, what duties they owe to each party, and whether there are alternatives. You should feel comfortable with the arrangement before moving forward, and if you have concerns about protecting your interests, it is perfectly reasonable to discuss them with the agent or their broker before accepting the offer.

What you're describing is commonly called dual agency, and the rules vary by state. In states where it is permitted, both the buyer and seller typically must provide informed written consent before the agent can represent both sides of the transaction. Your concern is understandable. When an agent represents both the buyer and the seller, they generally cannot advocate for one party over the other in the same way they could if they represented only one side. Instead, their role becomes more neutral, facilitating the transaction while treating both parties fairly. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad arrangement, but you should understand the limitations. For example, the agent may not be able to advise you on exactly how low they think the buyer would go or tell the buyer exactly how flexible you are on price and terms. Before agreeing, consider asking: • How dual agency works in your state. • What services and advice the agent can and cannot provide. • Whether another agent from the brokerage could represent one of the parties. • Whether there are any changes to compensation arrangements. Remember, you are not obligated to agree to dual agency simply because an offer was presented. If you're uncomfortable with the arrangement, discuss your concerns with the agent and their broker. The most important thing is that you fully understand the relationship and feel confident that your interests are being protected throughout the transaction. A good agent should be able to clearly explain your options so you can make an informed decision.

The short answer is YES…as long as it is fully disclosed and you agree. That being said, there are a few things I recommend if the listing agent has the buyer 1. Always have the agent do a CMA and show you all the recent sales and active listings. 2. Understand what the average square foot price is for each home sold in the past 6 months. 3. Look at the pictures of each of the sold homes to compare features and benefits. 4. Have an attorney review the stipulations of the agreement to make sure it protects you. This is common yet there are a few things you can do to get more comfortable with the situation. We do this often in the Myrtle Beach real estate market.

Your concern is valid. An agent working with both sides can be allowed in some states, but it changes the relationship. When one agent is involved with both the seller and the buyer, they usually cannot advocate for either side the same way they could if they only represented one party. That means they may not be able to push as hard on price, terms, repairs, or strategy because they are trying to stay neutral. Before agreeing, ask for a clear explanation in writing of what the agent can and cannot do for you in that situation. Also ask what your options are if you want separate representation or if another agent in the brokerage can handle one side. The offer itself may still be good. I would not reject it just because it came through your agent’s buyer. But I would review the price, contingencies, inspection terms, financing, closing timeline, and your comfort level very carefully. You do not have to be pushed into anything. Make sure you understand the arrangement, get the required disclosures, and only move forward if the offer and representation setup both feel right. Austin Moore Austin Moore & Company Real Estate Realtor in Longview, Texas

This is called dual agency, and your concern is valid. When your agent represents both sides, they can’t fully advocate for you the way they normally would. They have to stay neutral. That means no real negotiating advice on price, terms, or strategy. Yes, it can work. Some deals close smoothly this way. But you’re giving up having someone fully in your corner. Also, the agent benefits. They’re handling both sides of the deal, so they have more incentive to keep it together. You have options: You can say no and have the buyer get their own agent. Or ask for another agent in the same brokerage to represent the buyer or you. If you move forward, make sure you’re comfortable with the price and terms, because you won’t have the same level of guidance. Simple way to think about it. If you want maximum protection, don’t do dual agency.

An agent can legally represent both buyer and seller in the same transaction in most states -- this is called dual agency -- but doing so significantly limits the fiduciary duties each party receives. In Florida, dual agency is permitted but requires written informed consent from both parties. Florida also allows a "transaction broker" arrangement, which is actually the default for most Florida real estate transactions -- the agent facilitates the deal without owing full fiduciary loyalty to either side. This is a meaningful distinction that many consumers do not realize when they sign a brokerage relationship disclosure. The core risk in dual agency is simple: your agent cannot aggressively negotiate for you if they also represent the other side. They cannot advise you to offer less or push back on repair requests the way a dedicated advocate would. South Carolina law requires agents to disclose the dual agency relationship and obtain consent, but consent does not eliminate the conflict. If the transaction involves significant money or negotiation leverage, you are almost always better served by an agent who represents only you. -- Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells, Keller Williams Elite Partners

Dual agency seems to be accepted in your state so this is possible. This is absolutely normal. The major question is, has your agent given you any indication that she is not trustworthy? If not, I would say you should go for it, especially given it is the only offer currently on the table.

I always say that its easier to work with the other agent when the other agent is me! I think when we have a dual agency situation the transaction goes very smoothly because we are controlling the entire transaction. The thing that is unique about Real Estate though it is wrapped in legal issue possibilities, is that everyone wants the same outcome. The buyer wants to hand over a check and get keys, and the seller wants to hand over keys and get a check! Of course both sides want the price and terms to favor them, but as long as everyone is comfortable with the price and terms, everyone can walk away from the closing table feeling the transaction is a Win-Win.

Short answer: yes, it’s legal in many states — but it’s one of the trickiest situations in real estate. Dual agency sounds “fair and equal,” but in reality, it limits what your agent can do for both sides. And you’re right to question whether anyone can truly represent two parties with opposite goals. ⚖️ 1. Dual agency means your agent can’t fully advocate for you When one agent represents both sides, they must become “neutral.” That means they cannot: - Tell you the buyer’s max price - Tell the buyer your bottom line - Advise you on negotiation strategy - Push for the highest price - Push for the best terms - Give either side a competitive advantage You lose the very thing you hired an agent for — strong representation. 💰 2. The agent gets paid twice — that’s why they like dual agency Let’s be honest: Dual agency means one agent gets the full commission. That’s why some agents push for it. It doesn’t automatically mean they’ll harm you, but it does mean their financial incentive is different from yours. 🧠 3. Your instincts are right — your goals and the buyer’s goals conflict You want: - The highest price - The best terms - The strongest protections The buyer wants the opposite. One person cannot “equally” fight for both sides. It’s impossible. 🛑 4. You can say no — you don’t have to allow dual agency You have options: - Require the buyer to work with another agent - Ask your brokerage to assign a different agent to the buyer - Keep your agent representing only you - Decline dual agency entirely You are not obligated to accept it just because the agent brought the buyer. 📉 5. The risk: you get pushed into a deal that benefits the agent more than you When an agent represents both sides, the temptation is to: - Push the deal through - Avoid negotiation - Avoid conflict - Keep both sides “happy” - Close quickly That can mean you give up more than you should. 🤝 6. Work with an informed Realtor who protects your leverage A knowledgeable agent — someone who understands negotiation, fiduciary duty, and seller protection — will explain dual agency honestly and give you options that keep your interests first. This is exactly where having an experienced Realtor like me becomes a major advantage. 🎯 Bottom line Dual agency is legal, but it’s not always in your best interest. You deserve full representation, full advocacy, and full negotiation power — not a neutral referee.

This is called dual representation (sometimes referred to as dual agency, depending on the state), and your concern is completely valid. When one agent represents both the buyer and the seller, they have to stay neutral and can’t fully advocate for either side the way they normally would, especially when it comes to pricing, negotiation strategy, or pushing terms. In general, it’s usually better for the buyer and seller to have separate representation so each side has someone fully in their corner. A buyer coming through your listing agent can sometimes be an advantage, but if that agent already has a relationship with the buyer, it can create potential conflicts. You always have the option to decline dual representation and request that the buyer work with a different agent or have another agent step in. The goal is making sure you feel protected and not pressured during the process.

Hello! "Dual" agency varies state to state. Realistically, even if your agent writes an offer for a buyer their fiduciary duty is still to you. In no case should they ever be negotiating against you. This is a conversation they would have had with the buyer specifically and the dual agency talk should have happened prior to signing a listing agreement, just to inform you what it is and how it works. I personally am used as a dual agent very frequently because my clients trust me and are comfortable with how the terms of the deal would play out. Each deal is different and it will ultimately boil down to how much negotiating you believe will take place throughout the deal between price and terms. Look at all the options in front of you and see how you feel it will play out; your agent should be able to articulate what the path to closing would look like. Transparency is key with these situations. Hope this helps!