Which term describes a person who assists in a real estate transaction without representing either party?

Study for the Burk Baker National Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare effectively. Get ready for your exam!

In real estate practice, some people assist with a transaction without taking on the duties of representing either party. That neutral helper is called a nonagent. A nonagent can handle routine tasks, coordinate logistics, and pass information along, but they don’t owe fiduciary duties or advocate for a client, and they don’t negotiate on anyone’s behalf. This neutrality is what makes nonagent the best fit for someone who merely assists without representing either side.

By contrast, a cooperating broker typically represents one of the parties in the deal, such as the buyer or the seller, and a single agency arrangement means one broker represents one party in the transaction. Express agency refers to the formal authorization given to an agent to act for a client. These distinctions show why the neutral, nonacting role best matches the description.