Real Estate Consumer Agency

Alabama law requires you, the consumer, to be informed about the types of services which real estate licensees may perform. The purpose of this disclosure is to give you a summary of these services.

• A Single Agent is a licensee who represents only one party in a sale. That is, a single agent represents his or her client. The client may be either the seller or the buyer. A single agent must be completely loyal and faithful to the client.
• A Sub-Agent is another agent/licensee who also represents only one party in a sale. A sub-agent helps the agent represent the same client. The client may be either the seller or the buyer. A sub-agent must also be completely loyal and faithful to the client.
• A Limited Consensual Dual Agent is a licensee for both the buyer and the seller. This may only be done with the written, informed consent of all parties. This type of agent must also be loyal and faithful to the client, except where the duties owed to the clients conflict with one another.
• A Transaction Broker assists one or more parties in a sale. A transaction broker is not an agent and does not have the same obligations as an agent. The transaction broker and licensees working with him or her perform the services set out in their contract.

Alabama law imposes the following obligations on all real estate licensees to all parties, no matter their relationships:

• To provide services honestly and in good faith;
• To exercise reasonable care and skill;
• To keep confidential any information gained in confidence, unless disclosure is required by law or duty to a client, the information becomes public knowledge, or disclosure is authorized in writing;
• Present all written offers promptly to the seller;
• Answer your questions completely and accurately.

Further, even if you are working with a licensee who is not your agent, there are many things that the licensee may do to assist you, the customer. Some examples are:

• Provide information about properties;
• Show properties;
• Assist in making a written offer;
• Provide information on financing

You should choose which type of service you want from a licensee and sign an appropriate brokerage service agreement. If you do not sign an agreement, by law the licensee working with you is a transaction broker.

The licensee's broker is required by law to have on file an office policy describing the company's brokerage services. You should feel free to ask any questions you have.