Let’s talk about something you might come across as you navigate the world of real estate: dual agency. If you’re buying or selling a home, you may hear this term and wonder what it means—and whether it’s a good thing. I want to break it down for you and explain not just what dual agency is, but why it may not serve you as well as you’d think, no matter who your agent is.
What Exactly Is Dual Agency?
In real estate, dual agency happens when the same agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a single transaction. It’s legal in Illinois and many other states, but it comes with some big limitations. Essentially, in a dual agency situation, the agent isn’t allowed to favor one side or the other. Instead, they have to act as a neutral party—more of a facilitator than an advocate.
Let’s say you’re buying a home. You’d normally rely on your agent to help you determine a competitive offer, negotiate on price, or ask for repairs. But in a dual agency scenario, the agent can’t give you advice or strategize with you. The same goes for the seller. The agent has to remain impartial, which can leave both sides feeling like they don’t have someone fully in their corner.
Why Dual Agency Seems Appealing
On the surface, dual agency might sound like a win-win. After all, isn’t having just one agent involved simpler? And, sure, there are a couple of potential benefits to consider:
Simplified Communication
With one person handling both sides of the deal, you don’t have to worry about back-and-forth between two agents. This can speed things up in certain cases.Potential Cost Savings
In some cases, the seller might negotiate a slightly lower commission since only one agent is involved.
But these “advantages” are surface-level and don’t address the bigger picture of what you’re giving up—representation.
The Downsides of Dual Agency
Here’s where things get tricky, and why I believe dual agency isn’t in the best interest of buyers or sellers. Real estate transactions are complex, and having a dedicated advocate on your side is critical. Here’s why dual agency can fall short:
Conflict of Interest
Imagine a basketball coach trying to coach both teams during a game. How would they decide who gets the winning play? That’s essentially the position a dual agent is in. The buyer and seller have competing goals—the seller wants the highest price, and the buyer wants the best deal. It’s impossible for one person to advocate fully for both sides without a clear conflict of interest.Lack of Personalized Advice
One of the biggest advantages of having your own agent is that they can guide you through strategy—whether that’s pricing your home competitively as a seller or negotiating contingencies as a buyer. In dual agency, the agent has to stay neutral, which means no advice, no strategizing, and no help navigating the trickier parts of the transaction.Potential for Miscommunication
Even though dual agency is supposed to simplify things, it can actually make communication more complicated. Without two agents working to ensure their respective clients are informed and protected, important details can fall through the cracks—or get misunderstood.Erodes Trust
Real estate is a huge financial and emotional investment. You need to know that your agent is 100% in your corner, fighting for your best interests. Dual agency creates doubt because the agent is legally required to split their loyalty between both parties.
Why Having Your Own Agent Matters
When you’re buying or selling a home, your agent’s job is to be your advocate—to protect your interests, guide you through decisions, and negotiate the best possible deal for you. Dual agency takes that advocacy off the table, and that’s a loss for both sides. It’s not just about the agent; it’s about you, the client, and whether you’re getting the representation you need to feel confident and secure throughout the process.
By having your own agent, you get:
- A Dedicated Advocate: Someone whose only goal is to protect your interests and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
- Expert Advice: Whether it’s pricing, offers, negotiations, or contingencies, your agent is there to guide you every step of the way.
- Transparency and Trust: You never have to wonder if your agent is working for someone else’s best interests—they’re fully focused on you.
So, Is Dual Agency Ever a Good Idea?
There are situations where dual agency might work, but they’re rare. If you’re an experienced buyer or seller who feels confident navigating the process on your own and you’re in a straightforward transaction, it might be okay. But even then, it’s not ideal. Real estate is complex, and having someone who can truly advocate for you is invaluable.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, you deserve an agent who is fully focused on your goals, your needs, and your best interests. Dual agency takes away that focus, leaving both sides to navigate tricky waters without a clear advocate.
So, if you ever find yourself in a situation where dual agency is presented as an option, take a moment to think it through. Ask yourself, “Do I want someone representing me—or just someone helping both sides get to the finish line?” Because in real estate, having someone in your corner can make all the difference.
If you have questions about dual agency, representation, or anything else real estate-related, feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to chat and help you understand your options so you can make the best decisions for yourself. You can reach me at 630-267-1808 or shoot me an email at [email protected]. Let’s make sure you’re fully supported every step of the way!
About Mari Van Meter
Mari Van Meter is an award-winning Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices American Heritage, leading the Fly Home Dragonfly team. Specializing in digital and traditional marketing, Mari focuses on NW Suburban Chicago, especially Arlington Heights. She offers exclusive off-market properties and guarantees satisfaction for buyers and sellers.
Active in her community and at Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist in Palatine, Mari supports local businesses and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For expert real estate guidance, contact Mari at 630-267-1808 or schedule a discovery call at calendly.com/marivanmeter/discovery-call.
