What is the trend regarding the relationship between selling agents and clients?

The trend in real estate emphasizes the importance of clarifying relationships between selling agents and their clients through written agency agreements. These agreements serve to define the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both the agent and the client, fostering transparency and trust. By outlining the terms of engagement, agents can protect their clients' interests more effectively, and clients have a clearer understanding of their rights and obligations.

Utilizing written agreements also helps ensure compliance with legal standards and industry regulations, reducing potential disputes in the future. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the value of formalized relationships in real estate transactions, as it promotes professionalism and accountability among agents.

While confidentiality is important in agency relationships, the lack of a written agreement can lead to ambiguity that could hinder the effectiveness of that confidentiality. The other options, such as eliminating dual representation or increasing commissions, do not align with the current focus on establishing clear, documented relationships between agents and clients.