Who does a customer refer to in real estate?

In real estate, a customer refers to a buyer, seller, landlord, or tenant who does not have an agency relationship with the real estate agent representing them. This distinction is important because a customer is someone who benefits from the services provided by an agent but does not have a formalized commitment or loyalty to that agent.

In the context of real estate transactions, customers are typically individuals who are exploring options or receiving information without being officially represented by an agent. This means they do not have the same level of fiduciary duty or legal obligations that an agent owes to a client, who has established an agency relationship. Understanding this distinction helps clarify the roles and responsibilities within a transaction, ensuring that both parties—those seeking assistance and those providing it—are aware of their status in the real estate process.

Other roles in the context of the question, such as licensed real estate agents, property managers, and established clients, do not fit the definition of a customer, as they either have professional obligations or established relationships with agents that define their role differently in real estate dealings.