Quick Answer: Yes, a realtor can legally represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. This is called dual agency. In Michigan it is permitted, but the agent must disclose it in writing and get signed consent from both parties before moving forward. It can work in the right situation, but both sides need to fully understand what they are agreeing to before signing anything.

A while back, a buyer found one of my West Bloomfield listings on Zillow and called me directly. He liked the home, felt comfortable working with me, and asked if I could represent him in the purchase even though I was already representing the seller. That is dual agency. And yes, it is a question I get asked a lot here in Metro Detroit. Before I answer whether it is a good idea, let me explain exactly what happened in that deal and what I did to make sure both sides were genuinely protected.

What Is Dual Agency in Real Estate?

Dual agency is when one real estate agent, or one brokerage, represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. Instead of each party having their own dedicated advocate, there is a single agent managing both sides of the deal. A simple way to think about it: imagine hiring an attorney to negotiate a contract for you, and then finding out that same attorney is also advising the person on the other side of the table. You would want to know that upfront. Real estate works the same way.

Is Dual Agency Legal in Michigan? Yes. Dual agency is legal in Michigan. However, state law requires the agent to disclose the arrangement in writing and receive written consent from both the buyer and the seller before proceeding. Skipping that step is a serious violation of an agent’s license obligations. Some states have banned dual agency outright. Michigan has not gone that far, but the mandatory disclosure requirement exists for a real reason. The potential for conflict of interest is not hypothetical. It is built into the structure of the arrangement.

What I Actually Did in That West Bloomfield Deal

When the buyer called me about my listing, the first thing I did was slow down and have an honest conversation before anything else moved forward. I told him clearly: as a dual agent, there are specific things I cannot do for him that a dedicated buyer’s agent could. I cannot tell him the seller’s bottom line. I cannot coach him on how low to offer. I cannot advocate for his price at the expense of the seller. My job in that situation shifts from advocate to facilitator. He understood and still wanted to move forward. So here is what I did to protect both sides:

• Both parties signed the dual agency disclosure before any negotiations began.
• I told each side upfront exactly what I could and could not advise on.
• I kept both parties’ confidential information completely separate.
• I let the home’s value and the market data do the talking instead of pressuring either side.

The deal closed smoothly. It was a great home, the price made sense for both parties, and neither side felt pushed into anything. But I want to be honest: that outcome was partly because the conditions were right. The home was priced well, the buyer was motivated, and there were no major inspection surprises. Not every dual agency situation is going to line up that cleanly.

What You Actually Give Up With Dual Agency

This is the part most people gloss over. When an agent represents both sides, they are legally restricted from giving full advice to either party. They cannot tell the buyer the seller is under pressure to close fast. They cannot tell the seller the buyer has more budget to work with. That limitation cuts both ways, which sounds fair in theory. In practice, it means neither party gets someone fully in their corner during the most important financial negotiation of the deal. Not understanding this is one of the most common mistakes buyers and sellers make in Michigan real estate. They agree to dual agency because it feels simpler, without realizing what they are trading away.

Questions to Ask Before You Agree to Dual Agency

If you are ever in a situation where dual agency comes up, do not just sign and move forward. Ask these questions directly:

• How will you handle a price disagreement between us?
•  Are you required to keep my financial situation private from the other party?
• Can I bring in my own separate representation instead?
• What exactly can and cannot you advise me on under dual agency?

If the answers feel rushed or vague, pay attention to that. A good agent will be completely transparent about the limitations without making you feel like you are asking too much. You can also brush up on what to look for in a Michigan realtor before committing to anyone.

My Honest Take as a Michigan Realtor

Dual agency can work. I have seen it go smoothly. But I only take it on when I am confident that both sides genuinely understand what the arrangement means, and when the deal itself is straightforward enough that a facilitator is all that is needed. Before you agree to anything, ask yourself this: would you share a lawyer with the person on the other side of a contract negotiation? If the answer is no, think carefully before you agree to share a real estate agent. Working in real estate has given me a clear view of what happens when real estate deals go sideways. The transactions that unravel fastest are the ones where someone did not have full representation when it mattered most.

The Bottom Line

Can a realtor represent the buyer and seller at the same time? Yes, and I have done it. Should you automatically agree to it? Only if you fully understand what you are giving up and the situation actually calls for it. Whether you are buying your first home or selling a property you have owned for years in Metro Detroit, you deserve someone who is fully focused on your outcome. If you are unsure whether you are getting the full picture from your agent, read up on how to spot when a realtor is being dishonest about offers. And if you have questions about how I work, reach out directly.

Firas Hanna | Licensed Realtor | MBA | 248-703-1219 | firasrealestate.com