Agent Roles and Obligations in Maryland Practice Test

In a transaction where the listing agent represents the seller, the sub-agent typically represents the seller as well. A sub-agent is an agent who works under the main listing agent and owes a fiduciary duty to the seller. This means that the sub-agent must act in the best interests of the seller, which includes duties such as loyalty, full disclosure, and confidentiality regarding the seller's position.

While a sub-agent may interact with buyers and assist them in the home-buying process, their primary loyalty lies with the seller, as they are acting on behalf of the listing agent's firm. This relationship underscores the importance of understanding agency roles in real estate transactions, as it clarifies who is responsible for various obligations and duties in the process.

The other options do not accurately capture this relationship: representing only the buyer would misconstrue the obligations of the sub-agent; having no specific representation would overlook the duty they have toward the seller; and representing both the buyer and seller would create a dual agency scenario, which is distinct and requires specific disclosures and consent in Maryland.