Who does the real estate agent primarily work for or on behalf of?

The real estate agent primarily works for or on behalf of the client. In the context of real estate, the client is typically the person or entity that has entered into a formal agreement, such as a listing agreement or buyer representation agreement, with the agent. This establishes a fiduciary relationship, where the agent is legally and ethically required to act in the best interests of the client.

The agent's responsibilities include providing advice, negotiating terms, disclosing material facts about properties, and ensuring that the client's objectives are met throughout the transaction process. This commitment to the client is central to the role of the agent, defining their duties and obligations in the realm of agency practice.

In contrast, a customer refers to a party involved in a transaction who does not have a formal agency relationship with the agent. Brokers are typically the agents' supervisors or business facilitators but are not the primary focus for the agent's duties. Co-workers may be colleagues within the same agency firm but do not dictate the agent's primary responsibilities, which are centered on the client's needs and interests.