What role does a sub-agent primarily fulfill in a real estate transaction?

In a real estate transaction, a sub-agent primarily assists the buyer while maintaining a duty of loyalty to the seller. This relationship arises from the fact that the sub-agent works under the authority of the original agent (often a listing agent) and has the responsibility to further the interests of the seller while providing support to the buyer in their search for properties.

The key aspect of this role is the dual obligation: while the sub-agent aids the buyer in navigating the transaction—such as showing properties and providing information—they must also uphold the seller's interests, reflecting the fiduciary duties established by the initial agency agreement. This includes maintaining confidentiality and not disclosing private seller information to the buyer without permission.

Other options present misunderstandings of the sub-agent's role. For instance, a sub-agent does not independently negotiate sales without regard to the seller's interests, nor do they solely focus on showing properties or appraisals. Additionally, acting as a liaison between the seller and the bank does not accurately describe the primary responsibilities of a sub-agent, which centers on the buyer while still representing the seller's interests.