What distinguishes a client from a customer in a real estate context?

In the context of real estate, a client is someone who has entered into a formal relationship with an agent, typically involving a signed agreement for services. This means that the agent has a fiduciary responsibility to the client, which includes duties like loyalty, confidentiality, and full disclosure. This relationship grants the client access to advice, expertise, and advocacy from the agent throughout the buying or selling process.

In contrast, a customer is someone who does not have a formal agreement with the agent. While the agent may provide basic information or assistance to a customer, there is no legal obligation to act in the customer’s best interests. The relationship is less formal and does not carry the same level of trust and responsibility as that between a client and agent.

This distinction is critical in real estate practice, as it informs how agents interact with individuals, the legal implications of their actions, and their ethical responsibilities. Understanding this difference helps clarify the level of service, support, and representation an individual can expect based on whether they identify as a client or a customer.