In most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, until the 1990s, buyers who worked with an agent of a real estate broker in finding a house were customers of the brokerage, since, by most common law of most states at the time, the broker represented only sellers.
Buyers would have to agree to some form of dual agency in the event that they wished to buy a home which that company has listed for sale and for which it represents the seller.
In some cases where dual agency is permitted by law, even the listing broker may represent the buyer.
Agents may also assist the buyer in coordinating necessary inspections, negotiating any needed repairs, and facilitating the transaction by working with the lender, listing agent, title company, and in some areas a real estate attorney.
[4] Another potential conflict of interest can occur when the same firm finds itself representing two buyers who are competing for the same property.
A real estate agency should have a written, objective policy for handling conflicts of interest, which should be disclosed to any potential client in advance.