The rule in Virginia
In Virginia, dual representation is permitted with written consent.
What it’s called: dual or designated representative.
Citation: Va. Code 54.1-2139.
BindingOffers research report "Residential Real Estate: Three 50-State + DC Datasets" (September 2026) (summary and table) · Last reviewed September 21, 2026 · Confidence: medium
The required form
We haven’t confirmed Virginia’s required disclosure form yet. Ask your broker before representing both sides.
The conflict in a multiple-offer situation
When the listing agent also represents one of the buyers, every other buyer will wonder whether that buyer saw something they didn’t. Even with both clients’ consent, a dual agent owes confidentiality to each side and can’t use one buyer’s offer to help another.
Virginia’s rule on sharing offers still applies to everyone: The Code of Virginia imposes confidentiality only from the agent-client relationship and imposes no duty of confidentiality for offers received; terms may be disclosed absent a signed NDA. See the Virginia disclosure rule →
Designated agency as the alternative
Virginia allows the brokerage to appoint a separate agent for each client (dual or designated representative). In a multiple-offer situation, that’s the cleaner setup: the buyer’s agent never sees the other offers, and the listing agent never advises the buyer.
Questions
Is dual agency legal in Virginia?
In Virginia, dual representation is permitted with written consent.
Can a dual agent disclose other offers in Virginia?
A dual agent may share one buyer’s offer terms with another only with the consent of the parties involved, and only as the state’s disclosure rule allows. The seller must also authorize any disclosure, under Virginia’s disclosure rule.
What form is required for dual agency in Virginia?
We haven’t confirmed the required form for Virginia yet. Ask your broker; most states require written disclosure and consent before a licensee represents both sides.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm with your broker or your state real estate commission.