Agency

A Washington buyer's agent receives compensation from the seller (as is common in traditional MLS transactions). Does this compensation arrangement change the agent's legal duties to the buyer?

AYes, the agent's primary duty is to the party paying the commission
BNo, the agent's duties are determined by the written representation agreement, not the source of compensation✓ Correct
CYes, dual compensation always creates dual agency
DNo, because commission is irrelevant to agency law

Explanation

Under Washington's agency law, the existence and extent of an agency relationship is determined by the written representation agreement, not by who pays the commission. A buyer's agent owes fiduciary duties to the buyer regardless of whether compensation comes from the seller.

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