In real estate, how is an agent defined?

• A. The client
• B. The individual who is authorized and consents to represent the interest of another person.
• C. The broker
• D. The customer

Answer: (B)

In real estate, an agent is someone who is authorized and consents to represent the interests of another person. That authorization creates an agency relationship in which the agent acts on behalf of the principal (the person they represent) in dealings with third parties, sharing fiduciary duties like loyalty, confidentiality, and disclosure.

Why this is the best fit: the essence of being an agent is the permission to represent someone else’s interests and act for them in transactions. It isn’t about who hires the agent (that person is the client) or the firm the agent works for (the broker), or the party the agent negotiates with (the customer). The key idea is representation with consent.