The Top 10 Benefits of Working with a Dual Agent

By

|10 min read

When you’re selling your home, it’s important to get the best price possible. And when you’re buying a home, it’s important to get the best deal possible. That’s where a dual agent comes in.

In this article, we’ll cover the benefits, drawbacks, and what to expect when working with a dual agent. Finally, we’ll give you some tips for choosing the right one for you., whether you’re buying or selling. Let’s get started!

What are the Different Types of Agents?

There are several different ways an agent can represent parties in a real estate transaction:

What is a Dual Real Estate Agent?

Typically, there are two agents in a real estate transaction: the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. The buyer’s agent represents the interests of the homebuyer, while the seller’s agent represents the interests of the homeowner.

A dual agent is a licensed real estate professional who represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. This can be beneficial because it allows both parties to have representation during negotiations. In fact, around 10 to 20% of all real estate transactions involve a dual agency.

It is important to note that a dual agent must disclose their status as such to both parties before any negotiations begin. This ensures that both parties are aware of the potential conflict of interest and can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with them.

Is Dual Agency Allowed in All States?

Dual agency is illegal in some states. Therefore, it is important to check with your state’s real estate commission to see if it is allowed in your area.

Even if dual agency is generally allowed, there are some circumstances in which it would not be allowed, such as if one party is a relative of the agent. In these cases, the agent would need to disclose their relationship to the party and get written consent from them before proceeding as a dual agent.

Top 10 Benefits of Working with a Dual Agent

1) Experience – One of the benefits of using a dual agent is that they often have a great deal of experience in the real estate market. This means they are familiar with the local area and can provide you with valuable insights about different neighborhoods.

2) Knowledge – In addition to their experience, dual agents also have a wealth of knowledge about the real estate market. This includes things like prices, trends, and negotiation strategies.

3) Access – Dual agents usually have access to a wide network of people, including other agents, buyers, and sellers. This allows them to get information about homes that might not be listed on the MLS.

4) Connections – In addition to their access, dual agents also have connections with other professionals in the real estate industry. This includes things like Mortgage Brokers, home inspectors, and title companies.

5) Efficiency – One of the main benefits of using a dual agent is that they can help make the process of buying and selling a home more efficient. This is because they are familiar with the local market and can help facilitate a smooth transaction.

6) Cost-effective – In addition to being efficient, working with a dual agent can also be cost-effective. This is because you only have to work with one agent instead of two.

7) Objectivity – Another benefit of using a dual agent is that they can provide you with an objective opinion about homes. This is helpful when you are trying to decide whether or not to make an offer on a property.

8) Negotiation skills – Dual agents are also skilled negotiators. This means they can help you get the best price possible when selling your home and the best deal possible when buying a new one.

9) Flexibility – Many dual agents are also flexible in their schedules. This means they can work around your schedule to show you homes or meet with you for consultations.

10) Trusted advisor – Last but not least, a dual agent can also serve as a trusted advisor throughout the entire process of buying and selling a home. This includes things like providing you with advice about negotiating, making offers, and closing on a home.

Disadvantages of Working with a Dual Agent

1) Conflict of interest – One of the main disadvantages of using a dual agent is that there is potential for a conflict of interest. This is because the agent is representing both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction.

2) Limited availability – Another downside of working with a dual agent is that they are often in high demand. This means they might not be available to show you homes or meet with you for consultations.

3) Can be more expensive – In some cases, working with a dual agent can also be more expensive. This is because you might have to pay two commissions (one to the buyer’s agent and one to the seller’s agent).

4) Can be less personal – Some people also find that working with a dual agent can be less personal. This is because the agent is representing both parties in the transaction and might not have as much time to focus on your individual needs.

5) Requires extra paperwork – One final disadvantage of using a dual agent is that it usually requires extra paperwork. This includes things like a dual agency disclosure form and a buyer/seller representation agreement.

What to Expect When Working with a Dual Agent

If you’ve decided to work with a dual agent, there are a few things you should expect. First and foremost, you should expect to sign a dual agency disclosure form. This form will outline the potential conflict of interest and will require you to sign it before moving forward with the transaction.

Some agents may charge a higher or lower commission when acting under dual agency. You should ask your agent about their commission structure before signing a representation agreement.

Finally, you can expect your agent to be professional and objective throughout the entire process. They will represent both parties equally and will work to get the best deal possible for everyone involved.

Tips for Dual Agency

If you’re considering working with a dual agent, there are a few things you can do to make the process go smoothly. First, be sure to communicate your expectations to your agent. This includes things like how often you want to be updated on the status of the transaction and what type of information you want them to share with you.

Next, be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions. This will help ensure that you understand their role in the transaction and what they can and cannot do for you.

Finally, trust your gut. If you have any doubts about whether or not working with a dual agent is the right decision for you, it’s probably best to find a different agent. The most important thing is to find an agent that you trust and feel comfortable working with.

How to Choose the Right Dual Agent Professional for You

If you’ve decided to work with a dual agent, the next step is to choose the right professional for you. Here are a few things to look for:

1) Look for an experienced agent – One of the most important things to look for in a dual agent is experience. This is because an experienced agent will have a better understanding of the potential conflicts of interest and will know how to handle them.

2) Choose an agent you trust – It’s also important to choose an agent that you trust. This is because you’ll be sharing a lot of personal information with them and you need to be sure that they’re going to represent your best interests.

3) Find an agent with good reviews – Another good way to find a dual agent is to look for one with good reviews. This will give you an idea of what other people have thought about working with them and will help you make a more informed decision. With FastExpert, you can see agent reviews, recent sales, and more. Simply enter your zip code to get started.

4) Get a referral from a friend – Finally, one of the best ways to find a dual agent is to get a referral from a friend. If someone you know and trust has had a good experience with an agent, they’re likely to be someone you can trust as well.

Let FastExpert Help You Find a Dual Agent You Can Trust!

If you’re considering working with a dual agent, FastExpert can help. When you work with FastExpert, you will be connected with top real estate agents in your area. We can help you find an agent that has the experience, knowledge, and skills you need to get the best possible outcome for your transaction.

In addition, we can provide you with access to agent reviews, recent sales data, and more. Simply enter your zip code to get started. With FastExpert, you can be sure you’re working with a dual agent you can trust.

Real Estate Experts

FastExpert is a real estate agent directory that ranks agents by location according to client ratings and past home sales history. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to choose the right real estate agent for your needs. Users can search by specific traits that are important to them as well as see specific addresses of homes agents have sold in the past.

You may also be interested in...

million dollar home

How to Afford a Million-Dollar Home

With rising property values and shifting markets, million-dollar homes are becoming more common than you migh… read more

fastexpert matches agents

How FastExpert Matches Home Sellers to the Best Realtors

<< Find an Agent in Your Area to Get Your Home SOLD >> Being a real estate agent, like any servi… read more

REO Properties

REO Properties: How To Find and Buy Bank-Owned Properties

There are multiple types of distressed properties that investors can look for. As you start your investment s… read more

sell house before recession

Should I Sell My House Before a Recession?

When the market appears unstable and the possibility of a recession becomes more than a headline, many homeow… read more