Are Dual Relationships Good For Everyone?

Some agents have no problem representing the buyer and the seller at the same time.

Perhaps having the same agent representing both buyer and seller offers some advantages.

Certainly buyer and the seller css more quickly if dealing with only one agent.

Like A Marriage Counselor

I have heard it suggested that when one agent represents both buyer and seller, the agent is acting like a marriage counselor trying tan have stronger communication dealing with only one agent. And possibly they can reach the end of the proceo help a couple that is having a problem.

Both sides deal with one marriage counselor, whose role is to help both parties come to some agreement, some kind of conclusion.

This meeting of the minds could be that the individuals are going to stay together as a couple, but with some improvements in the relationship. Or the meeting of the minds could be an agreement to end of the marriage.

When representing both buyer and seller, the agent has the same responsibility...to get both parties to a yes or no decision. In this case, like a marriage counselor, the agent is more of a facilitator than an advocate.

Intellectually, I can understand these reasons for a single agent representing both buyer and seller.

However, at another level, I cannot accept that dual relationships are good for everyone.

Putting Their Own Interests First

It seems to me that when representing both buyer and seller, the agent is putting his or her own interests ahead of those of the clients.

I am just not convinced that both buyer and seller will enjoy the same level of service and professionalism that they would if they each had their own agent.

What is it that the Bible says about the issue?

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other...”

I think the consideration applies to the same agent representing both buyer and seller.

Despite the best and  most honorable of inention, one pary will reveived favored treatment at the expense of the other.

And of course, the agent will still receive his or her double share of the commission.