Who can legally represent a consumer in a real estate transaction?

The correct response indicates that only licensed brokers can legally represent a consumer in a real estate transaction. This is grounded in real estate laws that require individuals engaging in certain activities, such as negotiating sales or purchases on behalf of others, to be properly licensed. In Georgia, as well as many other states, real estate brokers are trained, tested, and regulated to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to protect consumers’ interests in these transactions.

Brokers have a fiduciary duty to their clients, meaning they are ethically and legally obligated to act in the best interests of their clients throughout the transaction process. This encompasses a variety of tasks including advising on pricing, marketing a property, presenting offers, and navigating the complexities of contracts and closing.

While attorneys can provide legal advice and perform some functions in real estate transactions, their role primarily includes handling legal elements rather than representing clients in a transaction as a broker would. Similarly, certified appraisers are qualified to determine property values but do not represent consumers in the legal or transactional aspects of real estate dealings.