In dual agency, which practice helps protect confidentiality during marketing?

• A. Sharing confidential information between the parties.
• B. Withholding all information about the property.
• C. Avoiding any disclosures to either party.
• D. Properly managing confidentiality and obtaining informed consent.

Answer: (D)

In dual agency, keeping each client’s information private while still enabling a fair negotiation is essential. The best practice is to manage confidentiality carefully and obtain informed consent from both clients for the dual representation. This approach protects sensitive details—like a seller’s motivation or a buyer’s target price—unless a client explicitly agrees to disclose them. It also ensures both parties understand the nature of the arrangement, the potential conflicts, and the scope of disclosures, with written consent guiding what can be shared. Sharing confidential information between the parties or withholding or avoiding disclosures would breach fiduciary duties and ethical/legal obligations. Proper confidentiality management with informed consent keeps the process transparent and fair while allowing the marketing and negotiation to proceed.