If I hire an agent to sell my property, what is the agent's primary obligation?

When you hire an agent to sell your property, their primary obligation is to represent your best interests. This fiduciary duty means that the agent must act with loyalty and in good faith toward you, the principal. This obligation encompasses various responsibilities, including providing you with accurate information about the market, guiding you in setting a price for your property, and effectively marketing the property to potential buyers.

Additionally, the agent should advocate for your needs throughout the transaction, ensuring that your interests are prioritized in negotiations and that you receive the best possible outcome. Fundaments of agency law establish that the agent must also maintain confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest, which all serve to protect your interests as the client.

Although negotiating the best price for your property is certainly an important aspect of the agent's duties, it falls under the broader responsibility of representing your best interests, which is why that choice is the most accurate assessment of the agent's primary obligation.