Universal, General & Special Agency

Agency scope comes in three sizes. A UNIVERSAL agent can do almost anything the principal could do, created by an unlimited power of attorney — rare in real estate. A GENERAL agent handles a range of ongoing business: the classic example is a property manager, and a salesperson is a general agent OF THEIR BROKER. A SPECIAL agent is hired for one transaction with limited authority — the listing broker selling a home is the textbook case: they can market the property but cannot sign the contract for the seller. Exam cue: match property manager → general, listing broker → special.