What is an example of dual agency in real estate?

In the context of real estate, dual agency occurs when a single real estate agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. This situation can arise when the agent works for both parties or when a brokerage has agents who are involved on both sides of the deal.

In dual agency, the agent has a fiduciary duty to both parties, which means they must act in the best interests of both clients. However, this can lead to potential conflicts of interest since the agent is required to balance the needs and interests of both the buyer and seller. It is crucial that the agent fully discloses the dual agency relationship to both parties and obtains their informed consent.

The other options describe different scenarios that do not meet the criteria for dual agency. For instance, having two separate agents representing the buyer and seller involves single agency, not dual agency. Additionally, a family member representing a buyer does not inherently create a dual agency situation unless they are also representing the seller. Finally, an agreement to keep negotiations confidential does not pertain to the representation structure of the parties involved in the transaction. Therefore, the most appropriate example of dual agency is indeed when a single real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller.