Does the buyer’s agent have to disclose if they know the listing agent?

This is state dependent, but typically yes. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

Yes, a buyers agent is generally required to disclose a pre-existing personal or professional relationship with the listing agent, and in Florida that obligation falls under the duty of honesty and disclosure owed to the buyer. In Hernando County and across Florida, a buyers agent who has a close personal relationship, business partnership, or financial arrangement with the listing agent has a potential conflict of interest that could affect how aggressively they negotiate on your behalf. Florida real estate license law requires agents to deal honestly with all parties, and a relationship that could influence representation is a material fact the buyer has a right to know. If you discover the relationship after the fact and believe it affected the negotiation or transaction, you have the right to raise the concern with the brokerage directly and, if necessary, with the Florida Real Estate Commission. Before you get to that point, ask your buyers agent directly at the start of any transaction whether they have a prior relationship with the listing agent. A straightforward question gets you a straightforward answer, and the response itself tells you something about how the agent operates. Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells, Keller Williams Elite Partners

They don’t have to — unless that relationship could affect negotiations. But it’s always a good idea to ask. Real estate is a relationship business, and knowing about any prior connection helps you understand the dynamics at the table.

Alison, great question — and one that comes up more often than you might think. In South Carolina, an agent is required to disclose any relationships that could reasonably influence their judgment or create a conflict of interest. If the buyer’s agent and the listing agent are related (even by marriage or prior family ties like former in-laws), it doesn’t automatically void a contract — but it should have been disclosed. The purpose of disclosure is transparency, so you as the buyer can make an informed decision about whether you’re comfortable proceeding. If you feel the relationship may have affected how your agent represented your interests — for example, in negotiations or advice — it’s worth discussing your concerns with the broker-in-charge at the agent’s firm. They can review whether proper disclosure was made and what remedies, if any, might apply. That said, unless you can prove that the lack of disclosure materially harmed you or affected the outcome, it likely wouldn’t void the contract by itself. Transparency builds trust, and you have every right to ask for clarification in writing from both agents involved.

Are you unhappy with the negotiations or changing your mind about buying the property -- and looking for a way to get out of the purchase? Do you think that you did not get a good deal? It always best to be forward with clients if there is a close relationship with the co-op agent. Real estate agents know one another -- we work together in the same communities and many times even socialize together. Have a good working relationship with the co-op agent is not a bad situation for a buyer or a seller. I am curious the reason you are looking to void the contract -- there must be more to your question.

Hi Alison, Great question! A buyer’s agent is required to disclose any relationships that could create a conflict of interest, so you can make informed decisions. Knowing the listing agent socially, or as an ex in-law, doesn’t automatically void a contract. In your case, the husband on the team being the listing agent’s ex-brother-in-law would typically just be considered a disclosed relationship. Whether it’s enough to affect the contract depends on the details and local laws, so if you’re concerned, a quick chat with a real estate attorney can give you peace of mind. The most important thing is that you feel fully informed and confident throughout the process — that’s what good representation is all about!