Who’s Really Working for You?
Understanding Agency in Real Estate
When you hire a real estate agent, it matters whose interests they are actually representing. It sounds like a technicality but it affects everything from the advice you get to how your information is handled in a negotiation.
Francisco & Kim work together to buy you a house.
Single Agency
The most common setup is single agency, which means your agent represents you and only you. Their job is to give you honest guidance, negotiate in your favor, and keep anything you share confidential. When you hire us as your buyer's agents, your interests are the priority.
Disclosed Limited Agency
Oregon uses the term disclosed limited agency for what most people call dual agency. It occurs when the same real estate business represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. In that situation the agent must remain neutral and cannot coach either side on negotiation strategy or share confidential information that would give one party an advantage. It requires written consent from all parties before proceeding.
It is legal, it happens from time to time, and it can work well in the right circumstances. But it does change what your agent can do for you.
Francisco and Kim split up. One of us helps you buy, the other works with the seller.
How We Handle It
Because we work as a two-person team, we have an option most agents do not. If one of our listings interests a buyer we are already working with, Kim and Francisco can split the representation. Each client gets their own dedicated agent rather than a neutral intermediary.
We had a situation like this with a seller named Brian in Milwaukie. A buyer we were working with wanted to see his home. All parties were informed, everyone agreed, and we split the representation. Mark got a modest discount on commissions, which was his priority. The buyer got to work with an agent she already knew and trusted. The transaction closed smoothly and both clients felt well served.
That kind of outcome requires transparency upfront and a team structure that makes it possible. It is worth understanding before you start the process. If you have questions about how representation works, we are happy to talk it through.
Navigating a Move in Portland?
Whether you are buying first, selling first, or trying to do both at once, the process has more moving parts than most people expect. We work with clients who want to understand their options before they commit to a sequence.
Have Questions About Representation?
Whether you’re just starting your home search or considering selling, we’re here to answer your questions and help you understand the process from the inside out. Your comfort and confidence matter to us. Call or text us at 503-951-8547—we’d love to connect.
Kim Campbell, Realtor | PSA, RENE | Licensed Oregon Broker
Francisco Salgado, Realtor | MCNE, EA | Licensed Oregon and Washington Broker
Campbell Salgado Real Estate Group with Soldera Properties
