Nabbing both sides of a transaction is going to disappear I bet. NAR reports that ethics is one of the fastest growing concerns amongst home buyers and sellers. How many Realtors just have a check box on their office disclosure or some other mediocre means of describing dual agency? Consumers on the whole just don't get it, and the bottom line is that it just doesn't make sense to represent both a buyer and a seller at the same time. RE transactions are just too complicated with too many things that can (and often do) go wrong.

Chuck, your point is right on. Back in the late 80s early 90s I spent 6 years working as a real estate agent for one of the large brokerages. During my 6 year career I learned quite a bit. I learned that real estate agents work very hard. It's not an easy job as many people believe. Secondly, unfortunately I learned that a high percentage of agents do not practice good ethics. If they can do something and not get caught, they'll do it.

My son will soon be in the market to purchase his first home. I'm advising him to search out an "Exclusive buyer's agent." I don't want him to risk getting involved with dual agency, and I know that designated agency is just as bad. Two different agents that work for the same company will undoubtedly do whatever it takes to help each other out. Especially when they can both earn a commission. I have seen this happen way too many times. The agents will meet without seller nor buyer present and figure out a way to make sure the deal goes through. I don't want them benefiting at the expense of my son. I completely agree with you. My son will be better represented and get a better deal with an Exclusive buyer's agent.