Cape Cod Real Estate Agency Guide

Understanding Seller’s Agent, Buyer’s Agent, Dual Agent & Designated Agent on Cape Cod

Buying or selling a home on Cape Cod is a unique experience—whether it’s a waterfront estate in Chatham, a vacation cottage in Harwich, or an investment property in Orleans. Choosing the right type of representation ensures your interests are protected and your transaction goes smoothly.

Here’s a breakdown of the main agency relationships in Massachusetts and how they work on Cape Cod.

Seller’s Agent (Listing Agent)

A Cape Cod seller’s agent represents the homeowner in the sale of their property.
Duties include:

• Marketing your Cape Cod home with professional photography, staging, and online exposure

• Advising on pricing strategies to attract qualified buyers

• Negotiating offers to secure the best price and terms for the seller

• Protecting your interests through closing
  Key Point: The seller’s agent’s loyalty is always to the seller.

Buyer’s Agent

A Cape Cod buyer’s agent represents the interests of the homebuyer.
Duties include:

• Finding properties that meet your criteria, including off-market and waterfront listings

• Providing local market knowledge, neighborhood insights, and pricing analysis

• Negotiating favorable terms for the buyer

• Guiding you through inspections, financing, and the closing process
  Key Point: The buyer’s agent works exclusively for the buyer.

Dual Agent

A dual agent represents both the buyer and seller in the same Cape Cod real estate transaction.
Duties include:

• Acting as a neutral facilitator between both parties

• Assisting with paperwork, timelines, and communication

• Providing facts but not advocating exclusively for one side
  Key Point: In Massachusetts, dual agency requires written consent from both the buyer and the seller.

Designated Agent

Designated agency is common in Cape Cod real estate. It occurs when both the buyer and seller are clients of the same brokerage, but each has their own dedicated agent.
Duties include:

• Each designated agent works solely in the best interest of their own client

• Both benefit from the brokerage’s full marketing reach, technology, and network

• Avoids the neutrality of dual agency while still allowing one firm to represent both sides
  Key Point: You get the personal loyalty of your own agent while leveraging the resources of a top Cape Cod real estate agency. In Massachusetts, designated agency requires written consent from both the buyer and the seller.

Why This Matters in the Cape Cod Market

The Cape Cod real estate market is competitive, seasonal, and highly desirable. Whether you’re selling a waterfront property or searching for the perfect beach house, understanding these agency roles ensures you choose the right advocate for your needs.

📞 Thinking of buying or selling on Cape Cod?
Work with a local expert who knows the Cape Cod market inside and out. Contact us today to learn which type of representation is best for you—and let’s make your Cape Cod real estate goals a reality.