Agency Duties - Real estate agents have duties to their clients that include loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure of material facts, obedience to lawful instructions, reasonable care and diligence, and proper handling of money or property. Their roles and duties include interfacing with clients, acting as a go-between for buyers and sellers, and performing administrative, research, and marketing tasks.

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Brokerage Agreements - A brokerage agreement establishes the terms under which a broker acts on behalf of a client to facilitate sales or services, typically in exchange for a commission. These agreements are crucial in various industries, including real estate, finance, and export services, as they clarify the roles and expectations of both parties involved.

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Broker-Salesperson Relationships and Compensation

• When a salesperson has participated in a completed transaction, any commissions or fees are paid to the broker, and then the broker will pay the salesperson.

• Salespeople often have an agreement with their sponsoring broker about what percentage of a commission they will get.

• Broker-to-Broker agreements memorialize compensation agreements between brokers.

• Recent changes in real estate commission structures have introduced more flexible and negotiable arrangements.

• Brokers are typically paid based on the terms of their agreement with the salesperson.

• Brokers are required to keep legal documents from completed transactions for three years.  
   

Designated Agency - Occurs when two agents from the same brokerage represent the buyer and seller separately. Each agent advocates for their respective client's interests, which can lead to a more balanced negotiation process. 

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Disclosure of Agency - Agency disclosure is a document that defines and explains the legal relationship between a broker and their client, outlining the specific duties the broker has towards the client. It is the process of informing all relevant parties about the relationship between the agent and the principal in a transaction, clearly stating that one party is acting on behalf of another.

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Dual Agency - Occurs when a single real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. This arrangement can create potential conflicts of interest, as the agent cannot fully advocate for either party's best interests. 

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Legal Considerations - Dual agency is not legal in all states, and where it is permitted, agents must disclose their dual role to both parties involved. 

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Limitations - In a dual agency situation, the agent's role is limited; they cannot provide advice or negotiate on behalf of either party. This can lead to challenges in negotiations, as both parties may feel they lack adequate representation. 

Limited Service - A limited-service real estate agent provides fewer services than a conventional full-service agent for a lower rate.​  A limited service agent must still follow Virginia statutory duties but only to the extent listed in their contract.

• Written Agreement: The agreement must be signed, clearly state they are a limited service agent, and outline which duties they will perform.

• Mandatory Disclosures: They must provide all federal and state-required disclosures at the time of the agreement.

• Specific Services: They may provide only limited services, such as listing a home on the MLS, but typically do not assist with, or have reduced duties regarding, pricing strategy, staging, marketing, or buyer negotiations.

• Performance: They must still act in accordance with the contract, handle client funds appropriately, and provide all required disclosures.

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Standard Agent - Means a licensee who acts for or represents a client in an agency relationship in a residential real estate transaction. A standard agent shall have the obligations as provided in this article and any additional obligations agreed to by the parties in the brokerage agreement.​​​​