Brokerage & Agency

    Dual Agency (Prohibited in Texas)

    One license holder fully representing both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, a relationship Texas does not recognize.

    Dual agency is when one license holder tries to fully represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. Because an agent owes undivided loyalty to a client, representing both sides creates a conflict that cannot be resolved. Texas does not recognize dual agency.

    When one Texas broker works with both parties, the lawful path is the intermediary relationship, which requires the written consent of both parties and may include appointed license holders. The intermediary acts fairly to both sides rather than as a full agent to each.

    On the exam

    If a question describes one Texas license holder fully representing both buyer and seller, the answer is that this is not allowed. The lawful alternative is intermediary practice with written consent.

    Exam trap

    Do not call the Texas model dual agency. Texas abolished dual agency and uses the intermediary relationship instead.

    Tested in

    Texas Agency & Intermediary (9% of the exam)

    Practice this section →

    From definition to recall

    See this term inside a real exam question.

    Pass Texas gives you Texas-specific practice, diagnostics across the 14 exam areas, Trap Library, Math Coach, offline access, and one $59.99 purchase. No subscription. No copied exam questions.

    Try 5 free questions

    This definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.