What Is Dual Agency and Should You Avoid It in BC Real Estate?
Dual agency occurs when one real estate agent or brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. It is a concept that has attracted significant regulatory attention in BC, and understanding it is important for anyone buying or selling in Kamloops.
In British Columbia, the rules around dual agency changed significantly with the implementation of the Council Rules in 2018. True dual agency, where a single agent represents both sides with full fiduciary duties to each, is now prohibited for residential transactions in most circumstances. It is fundamentally impossible to give undivided loyalty to two parties with opposing interests in the same deal.
What replaced dual agency in BC is a system of designated agency, where different agents within the same brokerage can represent buyer and seller respectively, with appropriate information barriers in place. This is different from dual agency and is permitted.
For buyers and sellers, the practical takeaway is this: if you find yourself in a situation where an agent is representing both you and the other party in your transaction, ask questions. Understand what duties they owe you, what information they can and cannot share, and whether you are adequately represented.
The Kamloops Home Team operates within BC's designated agency rules and is committed to ensuring every client understands who represents them and what that representation means in practice.
Questions about agency relationships in BC real estate are worth asking early. We are always glad to explain how our representation works and what it means for you.
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Kamloops Home Team | Royal LePage Westwin Realty
Top Royal LePage Team in Kamloops - 2024 & 2025 | 24 years combined experience helping buyers and sellers in Kamloops BC and surrounding communities.
- Scott McDowell, Kamloops Home Team
