Who is a licensee's primary duty owed to when they have an agent relationship with a client?

In an agent relationship, the licensee's primary duty is owed to the client. This is because the essence of the agency relationship is built on trust and the responsibility to act in the best interests of the client. The agent is expected to advocate for the client's needs, provide relevant information, and facilitate transactions that benefit the client. This fiduciary duty includes loyalty, confidentiality, and providing full disclosure, which are fundamental principles in real estate practice.

While the designated broker and the Maine Real Estate Commission play important roles in overseeing the conduct of all licensees and ensuring regulatory compliance, they are not the primary beneficiaries of the agent's duties. The other affiliated licensees also have their own obligations under the agency agreements but are not the main focus of the agent's fiduciary responsibilities. Therefore, the obligation to the client remains paramount in any agent-client relationship within the real estate context in Maine.