What does "Single agency" mean in real estate?

Single agency is a form of real estate representation where an agent or broker represents only one party in a transaction—either the buyer or the seller—but not both. Under single agency the agent owes a fiduciary duty to that single client, meaning loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure and reasonable care. This structure prevents conflicts of interest and ensures the agent’s advice and negotiations are focused solely on the client’s best interests.

Key features

Exclusive representation: The agent represents either the buyer or the seller, never both in the same deal.
Fiduciary duties: Loyalty, confidentiality, disclosure and competent care are required.
No dual representation: The agent cannot represent both sides in a single transaction.
Tailored service: The agent concentrates on achieving the client’s goals—finding the best home or securing the best price.

Real-world examples

Buyer’s agent

Sarah signs a buyer’s agency agreement with John. John searches for homes that match Sarah’s budget and preferences, schedules showings, advises on market value and negotiates on her behalf. John’s duties are owed only to Sarah; he won’t disclose her negotiating limits to the seller.

Seller’s (listing) agent

Mark hires Lisa as his listing agent. Lisa markets Mark’s property, recommends pricing, negotiates offers and guides the closing process. Her fiduciary duty is to Mark, so she won’t reveal his minimum acceptable price to prospective buyers.

Brokerage-wide single agency

A team like the Halle Perez Group may practice single agency across all residential deals—representing either buyer or seller but never both—so every client receives undivided loyalty, strict confidentiality and tailored strategy.

High-volume specialized model

Ben Caballero’s HomesUSA.com focuses exclusively on representing builders in new-home sales. By operating as single agents for builders, the team develops deep expertise and consistent, builder-focused service.

Why single agency matters

Trust and loyalty: Clients can rely on an agent acting solely in their best interest.
Stronger negotiations: The agent can negotiate aggressively for one client without balancing competing client interests.
Consumer protection: Many states require or prefer single agency to reduce conflicts of interest and protect buyers and sellers.

How single agency differs from other models

Model	Who is represented?	Fiduciary duty?	Conflict of interest?
Single agency	Buyer or Seller	Yes	No
Dual agency	Buyer and Seller	Limited/Impartial	Yes (potential)
Transaction broker	Neither (neutral)	No	No

Practical tips

Ask the agent to explain their role and provide a written agency agreement so you know whether they represent you exclusively.
If you’re unsure about confidentiality or disclosure rules, request a clear summary of fiduciary duties from the agent or brokerage.
Be cautious when the same brokerage lists and shows a property—state rules vary and some brokerages use policies to wall off representation to avoid conflicts.

Conclusion

Single agency means exclusive, fiduciary representation for either the buyer or the seller in a real estate transaction. It’s designed to eliminate conflicts of interest and give clients a clear, loyal advocate throughout the buying or selling process. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a property, working with a single agent can provide clearer advice, stronger negotiation and greater peace of mind.