Skip to content
×
Try PRO Free Today!
BiggerPockets Pro offers you a comprehensive suite of tools and resources
Market and Deal Finder Tools
Deal Analysis Calculators
Property Management Software
Exclusive discounts to Home Depot, RentRedi, and more
$0
7 days free
$828/yr or $69/mo when billed monthly.
$390/yr or $32.5/mo when billed annually.
7 days free. Cancel anytime.
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Buying & Selling Real Estate
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 9 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

4,353
Posts
1,722
Votes
Sam Shueh
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Cupertino, CA
1,722
Votes |
4,353
Posts

Can realtors work as a double agent?

Sam Shueh
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Cupertino, CA
Posted

A break over how real estate is purchased and sold now reaches the California Supreme Court.

Those on both sides of the argument will soon know the high court's decision in the case Malibu home buyer vs.Coldwell Banker. It can affect the way real estate has been conducted.

Horiike v. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Co., S218734, California Supreme Court (San Francisco).--

An Asian cash-buyer bought a Tuscan-style home overlooking the Pacific Ocean for $12.25 million in 2007. A listing agent provided him with a brochure stating the house had 15,000 square feet of living space, but county records said the residence actually was only 9,434 square feet. It did not require an appraisal and measurements were not included and there was no disclosure that buyer need to order measurements to confirm square footage of living area.

Unlike other municipalities, Malibu, California uses a different metrics where garage and spaces can be included in the primary residence areal size.

In this case, Horiike used a buyer agent and another listing agent both are from Coldwell Banker. The brokerage now is the dual agent of buyer and seller, according to court.

"A dual agency must walk a fine line, very careful not to favor the buyer or seller". The minimum acceptance price can not be discussed to give a buyer an edge. According to some folks it is like comparing a dual-agency to employ same lawyer representing opposing sides in a court.

This can be confusing at larger brokerage which have more agents. They find a buyer easier at sales meeting or prelisting internal sites. Often, two agents strike a deal even before it gets on the MLS. This has caused discomfort and give a disadvantage to other brokerages especially smaller brokers who have other buyers to represent.

California Association of Realtors (CAR) has filed its own opinion and so is National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents who does not endorse double ended deals. Depending on the out come, dual agency in California may be indefensible in the future.

Source: Kalfus, (May 2, 2016)

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

340
Posts
186
Votes
Bill Schrimpf
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Reno, NV
186
Votes |
340
Posts
Bill Schrimpf
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Reno, NV
Replied

@Sam Shueh - I didn't read the docket but if 2 different sales persons were involved, even under the same broker, isn't this a designated agency, not a dual agency?  A dual agency is when 1 broker handles the transaction directly or through 1 salesperson.  

This will be interesting for me to watch as NV often follows CA in these types of issues.

  • Bill Schrimpf
  • 775-741-2326

Loading replies...