Ethical expectations assume the same fierce loyalty as the law. “It is the Code of Ethics that separates REALTORS® from other licensees,” say the Minnesota Association of REALTORS, “so, we take enforcement of the Code very seriously.”

The problem with dual agents is that ethical expectations, like the law, put them in service to the seller.

Article 1 of the ethics code laid out by the National Association of Realtors—and followed by the Minnesota Association—sets the tone.

“REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation of absolute fidelity to the client's interests is primary.”

You may find the strength and directness of these words very comforting, until you remember how the three types of real estate agents work. With most real estate agents, the client is the seller. Unless you’ve signed a contract with an exclusive buyer agent, the client is not you.

DUAL AGENTS ARE HUMAN TOO

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