Letters to the Editor

Editor's note: Inman News published a letter last week containing an erroneous statement by the writer, who made the assertion that dual agency is illegal in California. Dual agency, in fact, is allowed in California with proper consent and disclosure, according to the state Department of Real Estate.

Re: 'Agents debate posting listings info they don't represent' (June 14)

Dear Editor:

I'm not entirely certain what point Heidi Oros was intending to convey in her letter to the editor, "I'm not the listing agent, OK!"

However, she, and those reading her letter, should be aware that dual agency is not "illegal" in California, as she states. While dual agency raises ethical questions and may well lead to litigation by two unhappy parties, it is nevertheless permitted in California so long as it is disclosed properly to both seller and buyer. I would be interested in the basis for the warning letter issued by the DRE; was it because the agent failed to make proper disclosures? It certainly would not have been due to the licensee acting as dual agent.

Mike Robinson
Ferguson

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