{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-2132.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-2132.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-2132.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-2132.html"}],"law_id":73912,"edition_id":1,"section_id":73912,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2132","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by buyers","history":"1995, cc. 741, 813; 2006, c. 627; 2011, cc. 34, 46; 2012, c. 750; 2016, c. 334; 2025, cc. 479, 495.","full_text":"A\n\nA licensee engaged by a buyer shall:1\n\nEnter into a brokerage agreement with the prospective buyer prior to showing property to such prospective buyer;2\n\nPerform in accordance with the terms of the brokerage agreement;3\n\nPromote the interests of the buyer by:\n\t\t\t\ta. Seeking a property of a type acceptable to the buyer and at a price and on terms acceptable to the buyer; however, the licensee shall not be obligated to seek or show other properties for the buyer while the buyer is a party to a contract to purchase property unless agreed to as part of the brokerage relationship;\n\t\t\t\tb. Assisting in the drafting and negotiating of offers and counteroffers, amendments, and addenda to the real estate contract pursuant to § 54.1-2101.1 and in establishing strategies for accomplishing the buyer’s objectives;\n\t\t\t\tc. Receiving and presenting in a timely manner all written offers or counteroffers to and from the buyer and seller, even when the buyer is already a party to a contract to purchase property; and\n\t\t\t\td. Providing reasonable assistance to the buyer to satisfy the buyer’s contract obligations and to facilitate settlement of the purchase contract;4\n\nMaintain confidentiality of all personal and financial information received from the client during the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be maintained confidential unless otherwise provided by law or the buyer consents in writing to the release of such information;5\n\nExercise ordinary care;6\n\nAccount in a timely manner for all money and property received by the licensee in which the buyer has or may have an interest;7\n\nDisclose to the buyer material facts related to the property or concerning the transaction of which the licensee has actual knowledge; and8\n\nComply with all requirements of this article, all fair housing statutes and regulations for residential real estate transactions as applicable, and all other applicable statutes and regulations that are not in conflict with this article.B\n\nLicensees shall treat all prospective sellers honestly and shall not knowingly give them false information. If a licensee has actual knowledge of the existence of defective drywall in a residential property, the licensee shall disclose the same to the buyer. For purposes of this section, “defective drywall” means all defective drywall as defined in § 36-156.1. No cause of action shall arise against any licensee for revealing information as required by this article or applicable law. In the case of a residential transaction, a licensee engaged by a buyer shall disclose to a seller whether or not the buyer intends to occupy the property as a principal residence. The buyer’s expressions of such intent in the contract of sale shall satisfy this requirement and no cause of action shall arise against any licensee for the disclosure or any inaccuracy in such disclosure, or the nondisclosure of the buyer in this regard.C\n\nA licensee engaged by a buyer in a real estate transaction may, unless prohibited by law or the brokerage agreement, provide assistance to the seller, or prospective seller, by performing ministerial acts. Performing such ministerial acts that are not inconsistent with subsection A shall not be construed to violate the licensee’s brokerage agreement with the buyer unless expressly prohibited by the terms of the brokerage agreement, nor shall performing such ministerial acts be construed to form a brokerage relationship with such seller.D\n\nA licensee engaged by a buyer does not breach any duty or obligation to the buyer by showing properties in which the buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, whether as clients or customers, by representing other buyers looking at the same or other properties, or by representing sellers relative to other properties.E\n\nLicensees in residential real estate transactions shall disclose brokerage relationships pursuant to the provisions of this article.F\n\nNothing in this section shall be construed to require a licensee to disclose whether settlement services under Chapter 10 (§ 55.1-1000 et seq.) of Title 55.1 will be provided by an attorney or a nonattorney settlement agent.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":265801,"text":"A licensee engaged by a buyer shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":265802,"text":"Enter into a brokerage agreement with the prospective buyer prior to showing property to such prospective buyer;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":265803,"text":"Perform in accordance with the terms of the brokerage agreement;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":265804,"text":"Promote the interests of the buyer by:\n\t\t\t\ta. Seeking a property of a type acceptable to the buyer and at a price and on terms acceptable to the buyer; however, the licensee shall not be obligated to seek or show other properties for the buyer while the buyer is a party to a contract to purchase property unless agreed to as part of the brokerage relationship;\n\t\t\t\tb. Assisting in the drafting and negotiating of offers and counteroffers, amendments, and addenda to the real estate contract pursuant to § 54.1-2101.1 and in establishing strategies for accomplishing the buyer’s objectives;\n\t\t\t\tc. Receiving and presenting in a timely manner all written offers or counteroffers to and from the buyer and seller, even when the buyer is already a party to a contract to purchase property; and\n\t\t\t\td. Providing reasonable assistance to the buyer to satisfy the buyer’s contract obligations and to facilitate settlement of the purchase contract;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":265805,"text":"Maintain confidentiality of all personal and financial information received from the client during the brokerage relationship and any other information that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be maintained confidential unless otherwise provided by law or the buyer consents in writing to the release of such information;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":265806,"text":"Exercise ordinary care;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":265807,"text":"Account in a timely manner for all money and property received by the licensee in which the buyer has or may have an interest;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":265808,"text":"Disclose to the buyer material facts related to the property or concerning the transaction of which the licensee has actual knowledge; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A8"},"8":{"id":265809,"text":"Comply with all requirements of this article, all fair housing statutes and regulations for residential real estate transactions as applicable, and all other applicable statutes and regulations that are not in conflict with this article.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"A8","prefix_anchor":"A8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"B"},"9":{"id":265810,"text":"Licensees shall treat all prospective sellers honestly and shall not knowingly give them false information. If a licensee has actual knowledge of the existence of defective drywall in a residential property, the licensee shall disclose the same to the buyer. For purposes of this section, “defective drywall” means all defective drywall as defined in § 36-156.1. No cause of action shall arise against any licensee for revealing information as required by this article or applicable law. In the case of a residential transaction, a licensee engaged by a buyer shall disclose to a seller whether or not the buyer intends to occupy the property as a principal residence. The buyer’s expressions of such intent in the contract of sale shall satisfy this requirement and no cause of action shall arise against any licensee for the disclosure or any inaccuracy in such disclosure, or the nondisclosure of the buyer in this regard.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A8","next_prefix":"C"},"10":{"id":265811,"text":"A licensee engaged by a buyer in a real estate transaction may, unless prohibited by law or the brokerage agreement, provide assistance to the seller, or prospective seller, by performing ministerial acts. Performing such ministerial acts that are not inconsistent with subsection A shall not be construed to violate the licensee’s brokerage agreement with the buyer unless expressly prohibited by the terms of the brokerage agreement, nor shall performing such ministerial acts be construed to form a brokerage relationship with such seller.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"11":{"id":265812,"text":"A licensee engaged by a buyer does not breach any duty or obligation to the buyer by showing properties in which the buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, whether as clients or customers, by representing other buyers looking at the same or other properties, or by representing sellers relative to other properties.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"12":{"id":265813,"text":"Licensees in residential real estate transactions shall disclose brokerage relationships pursuant to the provisions of this article.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"13":{"id":265814,"text":"Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a licensee to disclose whether settlement services under Chapter 10 (§ 55.1-1000 et seq.) of Title 55.1 will be provided by an attorney or a nonattorney settlement agent.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14179,"edition_id":1,"name":"Duties of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12756,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:09","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:09","permalink":{"id":240053,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14179,"identifier":"3","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3","url":"\/54.1\/II\/21\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12756,"edition_id":1,"name":"Real Estate Brokers, Sales Persons and Rental Location Agents","identifier":"21","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12755,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239911,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12756,"identifier":"21","token":"54.1\/II\/21","url":"\/54.1\/II\/21\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12755,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and Boards Within the Department","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239415,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12755,"identifier":"II","token":"54.1\/II","url":"\/54.1\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":55353,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2130","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-2130\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2130","metadata":false},{"id":80572,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2131","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by sellers","url":"\/54.1-2131\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2131","metadata":false},{"id":73912,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2132","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by buyers","url":"\/54.1-2132\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2132","metadata":false},{"id":85765,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2133","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by landlords to lease property","url":"\/54.1-2133\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2133","metadata":false},{"id":62657,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2134","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by tenants","url":"\/54.1-2134\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2134","metadata":false},{"id":58678,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2135","catch_line":"Licensees engaged to manage real estate","url":"\/54.1-2135\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2135","metadata":false},{"id":68223,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2136","catch_line":"Preconditions to brokerage relationship","url":"\/54.1-2136\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2136","metadata":false},{"id":71178,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2137","catch_line":"Commencement and termination of brokerage relationships; brokerage agreements required","url":"\/54.1-2137\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2137","metadata":false},{"id":55998,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2138","catch_line":"Disclosure of brokerage relationship in residential real estate transactions","url":"\/54.1-2138\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2138","metadata":false},{"id":81882,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2138.1","catch_line":"Limited service agent in a residential real estate transaction, contract disclosure required","url":"\/54.1-2138.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2138.1","metadata":false},{"id":77987,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2138.2","catch_line":"Duty to disclose ownership interest in specific real property","url":"\/54.1-2138.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2138.2","metadata":false},{"id":85995,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2139","catch_line":"Disclosed dual agency and dual representation authorized in a residential real estate transaction","url":"\/54.1-2139\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2139","metadata":false},{"id":82081,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2139.01","catch_line":"Disclosed dual agency and dual representation in commercial real estate transactions authorized","url":"\/54.1-2139.01\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2139.01","metadata":false},{"id":58353,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2139.1","catch_line":"Designated standard agency or designated representation authorized in a residential real estate transaction","url":"\/54.1-2139.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2139.1","metadata":false},{"id":76531,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2139.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2139.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2139.2","metadata":false},{"id":82130,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2140","catch_line":"Compensation shall not imply brokerage relationship","url":"\/54.1-2140\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2140","metadata":false},{"id":85462,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2141","catch_line":"Brokerage relationship not created by using common source information company","url":"\/54.1-2141\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2141","metadata":false},{"id":62698,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2142","catch_line":"Liability; knowledge not to be imputed","url":"\/54.1-2142\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2142","metadata":false},{"id":66918,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2142.1","catch_line":"Liability for false information","url":"\/54.1-2142.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2142.1","metadata":false},{"id":67759,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2143","catch_line":"Real estate board regulations to be consistent","url":"\/54.1-2143\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2143","metadata":false},{"id":59352,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2144","catch_line":"Common law abrogated","url":"\/54.1-2144\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2144","metadata":false},{"id":81375,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2145","catch_line":"Article does not limit antitrust laws","url":"\/54.1-2145\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2145","metadata":false},{"id":69415,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2146","catch_line":"Licensee maintenance of records","url":"\/54.1-2146\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2146","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":80572,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2131","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by sellers","url":"\/54.1-2131\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2131","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":85765,"structure_id":14179,"section_number":"54.1-2133","catch_line":"Licensees engaged by landlords to lease property","url":"\/54.1-2133\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2133","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2132\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1995. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 741<\/a> and 813<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2006, chapter 627<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 34<\/a> and 46<\/a>; in 2012, chapter 750<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 334<\/a>; in 2025, chapters 479<\/a> and 495<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":55353,"section_number":"54.1-2130","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2130\/"},{"id":81882,"section_number":"54.1-2138.1","catch_line":"Limited service agent in a residential real estate transaction, contract disclosure required","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2138.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":64639,"section_number":"36-156.1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-156.1\/"},{"id":84706,"section_number":"54.1-2101.1","catch_line":"Preparation of real estate contracts by real estate licensees; translation","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2101.1\/"},{"id":80642,"section_number":"55.1-1000","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1000\/"}],"permalink":{"id":240063,"object_type":"law","relational_id":73912,"identifier":"54.1-2132","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2132","url":"\/54.1-2132\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2132\/","token":"54.1\/II\/21\/3\/54.1-2132","dublin_core":{"Title":"Licensees engaged by buyers","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2132","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A licensee<\/span> engaged by a buyer shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Enter into a brokerage agreement<\/span> with the prospective buyer prior to showing property<\/span> to such prospective buyer; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Perform in accordance with the terms of the brokerage agreement<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Promote the interests of the buyer by:\n\t\t\t\ta. Seeking a property of a type acceptable to the buyer and at a price and on terms acceptable to the buyer; however, the licensee<\/span> shall not be obligated to seek or show other properties for the buyer while the buyer is a party<\/span> to a contract<\/span> to purchase property unless agreed to as part of the brokerage relationship<\/span>;\n\t\t\t\tb. Assisting in the drafting and negotiating of offers and counteroffers, amendments, and addenda to the real estate contract<\/span> pursuant to § 54.1-2101.1<\/a> and in establishing strategies for accomplishing the buyer’s objectives;\n\t\t\t\tc. Receiving and presenting in a timely manner all written offers or counteroffers to and from the buyer and seller, even when the buyer is already a party<\/span> to a contract<\/span> to purchase property; and\n\t\t\t\td. Providing reasonable assistance to the buyer to satisfy the buyer’s contract<\/span> obligations and to facilitate settlement<\/span> of the purchase contract<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Maintain confidentiality of all personal and financial information received from the client<\/span> during the brokerage relationship<\/span> and any other information that the client<\/span> requests during the brokerage relationship<\/span> be maintained confidential unless otherwise provided by law<\/span> or the buyer consents in writing to the release of such information; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Exercise ordinary care; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Account in a timely manner for all money and property received by the licensee<\/span> in which the buyer has or may have an interest; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Disclose to the buyer material<\/span> facts<\/span> related to the property or concerning the transaction of which the licensee<\/span> has actual knowledge; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Comply with all requirements of this article, all fair housing statutes<\/span> and regulations for residential real estate<\/span> transactions as applicable, and all other applicable statutes<\/span> and regulations that are not in conflict with this article. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Licensees<\/span> shall treat all prospective sellers honestly and shall not knowingly give them false information. If a licensee<\/span> has actual knowledge of the existence of defective drywall<\/span> in a residential property, the licensee<\/span> shall disclose the same to the buyer. For purposes of this section, “defective drywall<\/span>” means all defective drywall<\/span> as defined in § 36-156.1<\/a>. No cause of action<\/span> shall arise against any licensee<\/span> for revealing information as required by this article or applicable law<\/span>. In the case of a residential transaction, a licensee<\/span> engaged by a buyer shall disclose to a seller whether or not the buyer intends to occupy the property as a principal residence. The buyer’s expressions of such intent<\/span> in the contract<\/span> of sale shall satisfy this requirement and no cause of action<\/span> shall arise against any licensee<\/span> for the disclosure or any inaccuracy in such disclosure, or the nondisclosure of the buyer in this regard. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A licensee<\/span> engaged by a buyer in a real estate transaction may, unless prohibited by law<\/span> or the brokerage agreement<\/span>, provide assistance to the seller, or prospective seller, by performing ministerial acts<\/span>. Performing such ministerial acts<\/span> that are not inconsistent with subsection A shall not be construed to violate the licensee<\/span>’s brokerage agreement<\/span> with the buyer unless expressly prohibited by the terms of the brokerage agreement<\/span>, nor shall performing such ministerial acts<\/span> be construed to form a brokerage relationship<\/span> with such seller. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A licensee<\/span> engaged by a buyer does not breach any duty or obligation to the buyer by showing properties in which the buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, whether as clients<\/span> or customers<\/span>, by representing other buyers looking at the same or other properties, or by representing sellers relative to other properties. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Licensees<\/span> in residential real estate<\/span> transactions shall disclose brokerage relationships<\/span> pursuant to the provisions of this article. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a licensee<\/span> to disclose whether settlement<\/span> services under Chapter 10 (§ 55.1-1000<\/a> et seq.) of Title 55.1 will be provided by an attorney or a nonattorney settlement<\/span> agent<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLICENSEES ENGAGED BY BUYERS (\u00a7 54.1-2132)\n\nA. A licensee engaged by a buyer shall:\n\n 1. Enter into a brokerage agreement with the prospective buyer prior to\n showing property to such prospective buyer;\n\n 2. Perform in accordance with the terms of the brokerage agreement;\n\n 3. Promote the interests of the buyer by:\n \t\t\t\ta. Seeking a property of a type acceptable to the buyer and at a price and\n on terms acceptable to the buyer; however, the licensee shall not be obligated\n to seek or show other properties for the buyer while the buyer is a party to a\n contract to purchase property unless agreed to as part of the brokerage\n relationship;\n \t\t\t\tb. Assisting in the drafting and negotiating of offers and counteroffers,\n amendments, and addenda to the real estate contract pursuant to §\n 54.1-2101.1 and in establishing strategies for accomplishing the buyer’s\n objectives;\n \t\t\t\tc. Receiving and presenting in a timely manner all written offers or\n counteroffers to and from the buyer and seller, even when the buyer is already\n a party to a contract to purchase property; and\n \t\t\t\td. Providing reasonable assistance to the buyer to satisfy the\n buyer’s contract obligations and to facilitate settlement of the\n purchase contract;\n\n 4. Maintain confidentiality of all personal and financial information received\n from the client during the brokerage relationship and any other information\n that the client requests during the brokerage relationship be maintained\n confidential unless otherwise provided by law or the buyer consents in writing\n to the release of such information;\n\n 5. Exercise ordinary care;\n\n 6. Account in a timely manner for all money and property received by the\n licensee in which the buyer has or may have an interest;\n\n 7. Disclose to the buyer material facts related to the property or concerning\n the transaction of which the licensee has actual knowledge; and\n\n 8. Comply with all requirements of this article, all fair housing statutes and\n regulations for residential real estate transactions as applicable, and all\n other applicable statutes and regulations that are not in conflict with this\n article.\n\nB. Licensees shall treat all prospective sellers honestly and shall not\nknowingly give them false information. If a licensee has actual knowledge of the\nexistence of defective drywall in a residential property, the licensee shall\ndisclose the same to the buyer. For purposes of this section, “defective\ndrywall” means all defective drywall as defined in § 36-156.1. No\ncause of action shall arise against any licensee for revealing information as\nrequired by this article or applicable law. In the case of a residential\ntransaction, a licensee engaged by a buyer shall disclose to a seller whether or\nnot the buyer intends to occupy the property as a principal residence. The\nbuyer’s expressions of such intent in the contract of sale shall satisfy\nthis requirement and no cause of action shall arise against any licensee for the\ndisclosure or any inaccuracy in such disclosure, or the nondisclosure of the\nbuyer in this regard.\n\nC. A licensee engaged by a buyer in a real estate transaction may, unless\nprohibited by law or the brokerage agreement, provide assistance to the seller,\nor prospective seller, by performing ministerial acts. Performing such\nministerial acts that are not inconsistent with subsection A shall not be\nconstrued to violate the licensee’s brokerage agreement with the buyer\nunless expressly prohibited by the terms of the brokerage agreement, nor shall\nperforming such ministerial acts be construed to form a brokerage relationship\nwith such seller.\n\nD. A licensee engaged by a buyer does not breach any duty or obligation to the\nbuyer by showing properties in which the buyer is interested to other\nprospective buyers, whether as clients or customers, by representing other\nbuyers looking at the same or other properties, or by representing sellers\nrelative to other properties.\n\nE. Licensees in residential real estate transactions shall disclose brokerage\nrelationships pursuant to the provisions of this article.\n\nF. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a licensee to disclose\nwhether settlement services under Chapter 10 (§ 55.1-1000 et seq.) of Title\n55.1 will be provided by an attorney or a nonattorney settlement agent.\n\nHISTORY: 1995, cc. 741, 813; 2006, c. 627; 2011, cc. 34, 46; 2012, c. 750; 2016,\nc. 334; 2025, cc. 479, 495.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}