Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Hampshire

I am selling a property in New Hampshire. The agent I have selected told me she is a dual agent. What are the implications of this for me as a seller?


Asked on 11/13/13, 8:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

A "dual agent" (or double agent) is much like it sounds, they are working for both the buyer and the seller, and may not necessarily be working in the best interests of either. The Seller's agent normally has the task of selling the property at the highest price, while the buyer's agent is advocating for the lowest price for his client.

Typically, the buyer's agent and seller's agent will split the commission equally. When you have a "dual agent" they will keep both halves of the commission as long as a sale happens at any price. Dual agents are more likely to advertise a property in-house because it means all of the commission stays with them, while an outside agent would have to bring in an offer that is literally Double for the dual agent's take home to be unaffected. In this scenario, the the financial goals of the seller and his agent are inconsistent.

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Answered on 11/13/13, 10:09 am


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