Designated agency
When two agents from the same brokerage represent opposite sides of a deal. The brokerage stays neutral. Common in larger firms.
Your Room opens on showings and offers, with everything before the listing already ticked.
Organize my saleFree to set up. Pay once when you list: $89 or $189. 7-day refund.
See how it worksWhere this comes up: on the market
Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
When the buyer's agent and your agent work for the same brokerage, designated agency lets each represent their own client while the firm stays neutral. It is common at large firms and usually asks for your written consent.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
A buyer represented by another agent at your agent's brokerage makes an offer. The broker designates each agent to their client, and both of you sign a consent.
| The arrangement | Who represents you |
|---|---|
| Designated agency | Your own agent, with the brokerage neutral |
| Dual agency | One agent for both sides, where allowed |
| Separate brokerages | The ordinary case; nothing to consent to |
Same firm, separate loyalties, with the manager in the middle.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That an in-house buyer is a conflict you cannot avoid. Designated agency exists to manage exactly that, and it is your consent that turns it on.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
Your Room defines designated agency in the step you meet it in, beside the document or the date it belongs to. Free to set up, with an agent or on your own.
Organize my saleFree to set up. Pay once when you list: $89 or $189. 7-day refund.