What is the main risk associated with dual agency?

The primary risk associated with dual agency is indeed conflicts of interest. In a dual agency scenario, the agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, which can lead to competing interests. The agent is expected to promote the best interests of both parties, but this can create a situation where the agent must navigate shifts in loyalties and obligations.

For example, the agent may find it challenging to negotiate effectively on behalf of both sides since the two parties may have opposing goals (the buyer looking for the best price and the seller wanting the highest price). This scenario can compromise the agent's ability to provide uninhibited and unbiased advice, which is crucial for both parties when making significant decisions.

Conflicts of interest inherent in dual agency can impact trust, communication, and overall satisfaction with the transaction, making it a key risk that agents and clients should carefully consider. The other options, while potentially relevant in some cases, do not capture the essence and the significant ethical concerns tied to dual agency in the same way conflicts of interest do.