It's really easy to be "fair and balanced".

My problem is that is not what your clients hired you for.  They don't want you to be fair to both sides... they want you to fight like a bulldog for them.  And switching horses midstream doesn't seem fair.

It's pretty easy.  I've done it several times with the greatest of ease and with both sets of clients very happy with the outcome.  When you're with one client, you are WITH THEM.  No knowledge in your head that you wouldn't have if you were just representing them.

and that's exactly why none of my team members participate in dual agency....pick a side and stay there...we are listing agents and we fully expect and want every buyer to have a buyer's agent....if they wander in without one, we highly recommend they get one....or we will set them up with one... but it will not be us... some insist upon not getting one.... that's in writing many times!!!  and the seller wins.... but I did my job.

In Texas we have a statutory representation when the brokerage represents both parties.  It's easy you just follow the law.

 You can't. 

Well, isn't that the $64,000 question! That's why I don't believe in being a dual agent... you cannot serve two masters at the same time.

You can be fair, but you cant get the highest price for your seller and lowest price for your buyer at the same time

I find another agent in the office to represent buyer.

When I represent a Seller, I seek permission to bring a buyer. I can only represent one side and give them my undivided loyalty. 

We have not had dual agency in Oklahoma for some time. We are a statute law representation state and not the common law of agency.

It is easy to be fair. Follow the rules in your state.

Colorado eliminated dual representation.

Do not takes sides, be down the middle

It is a tough balancing act, which is why you shouldn't do it unless you are an educated professional capable of walking that fine line.

Don't fool yourself-its not possible.

We. Don't. Do. It.

It can become very difficult, which is why I don't do it.

Corey - Like Scott Godzyk said, I wouldn't be able to negotiate the highest price for the seller, and the lowest price for the buyer at the same time, so I don't do them. Other agents have no problem with dual agency, so they do them.

Corey Christiansen - disclosures for all the parties all the time! 

I have no issues with that. I does not happen often though. 

If you dont think that you can then have your broker assign someone else to one party.

I did it all the time with short sales.

I have my buyers agent rep the buyers and I pay her a piece of the action.

So, I technically remain arm's length.

I have done a few on my own successfully when the buyer was all in and the seller just dictates the contract terms, no negotiating.

WE don't do dual agency in my company but can be faciliators to both parties at the same time. This is not representation.

ask the broker

Easy...they c.isn't you are with is the one you work hard for at that time.

Corey,

You have received great advice from some very wise rainers.  Neither one of us ever had trouble doing just that.  A

We operate in Intermediary in Texas..not dual agency.

By practicing and maintaining  a high level of disclosure

Corey Christiansen Make sure all disclosures are signed and your clients know the ins and outs of dual representation. Make sure you understand your State rules and laws pertaining to dual agency.

You should not!

Those who have great concern regarding this, should not do it.

Those like myself who do so many times every year, are able to be fair and continue to get referrals from those we represent.

Those who see evil in the shadow of every tree will never believe there are those who can comfortably walk in the sunshine. No effort should be made to persuade the shadow dweller otherwise. So for THEM, staying away from dual representation, representing both the buyer and seller, and with holding the benefits that are created, are the path they must walk.

Your fiduciary duty is to both clients. I have always told the agents in my brokerage the only thing you wouldn't do is disclose your seller's bottom price nor your buyer's top offer to the other side (if you know them). In every other case, anything you know about the real estate would need to be disclosed to buyer - but you would do this with any buyer regardless of who represented them. And any issue with the buyer (such as financing) would need to be disclosed - but again, you would do this with anyone representing the seller.

Read Chapter 1 Agency

It's indeed tricky. I really don't believe in it but sometimes it works out. You should get rid of those pesky biases right now.

Easy to be fair. Hard to be on the fence on every issue!