What defines the extent of loyalty owed by a real estate agent?

The extent of loyalty owed by a real estate agent is fundamentally defined by the fiduciary duty to the client. This duty encompasses a range of responsibilities, including acting in the best interest of the client, maintaining confidentiality, providing full disclosure of relevant information, and avoiding conflicts of interest. When an agent takes on a fiduciary role, they are legally and ethically obligated to prioritize their client's interests above their own. This deep level of commitment is what distinguishes the agent-client relationship from other types of professional relationships.

In contrast, customer service, while important, does not encapsulate the legal and ethical obligations that come with being a fiduciary. General compliance with state law pertains to adherence to regulations governing real estate practices but does not specify the loyalty aspect. Transparency in transactions is a critical component of good practice, but it falls under the broader scope of fiduciary duty. Therefore, the essence of loyalty in real estate transactions is best captured by the agent's fiduciary responsibility to their client.