If Terry and Roberta are designated as intra-company agents, can George serve as the dual agent?

The correct answer highlights the unique considerations tied to intra-company agents (ICAs) within a real estate brokerage context. When agents are designated as intra-company agents, they are assigned specific roles within their brokerage to represent either the buyer or the seller, which typically limits their ability to take on additional roles that could conflict with their representation duties.

The role of a dual agent involves representing both the buyer and seller in the same transaction, which can create potential conflicts of interest. The presence of ICAs means that George, serving as a dual agent, could face challenges in balancing the interests of both parties without compromising the specific obligations owed to each under their designated roles. This creates the potential for conflicts that could impact the integrity of the agency relationship and the obligations owed to the respective parties.

Therefore, the answer underlines that, under Maryland law, a dual agent cannot simultaneously oversee the same transaction as agents who are designated in a specific capacity within the brokerage, like intra-company agents. This reflects the broader principle of maintaining clear boundaries and designated roles in agency relationships to uphold ethical standards in real estate practices.