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Agency and Fiduciary Duties, 17% of the examination

Universal agent

An agent granted very broad authority to act for a principal across nearly all matters that can be delegated.

Universal authority is uncommon in ordinary brokerage. A power of attorney may grant broad or limited authority, so inspect its terms and statutory limits rather than assuming every attorney-in-fact is a universal agent. General agency covers a continuing field of activity; special agency covers a particular act or narrow purpose.

See also

General agentAn agent with ongoing authority across a continuing series of transactions within a defined scope.Special agentAn agent authorized to perform a specific act or transaction for the principal.

Test the distinction

A relevant question from Agency and Fiduciary Duties, selected because its facts or explanation use this concept.

Agency and Fiduciary Duties ยท 17%Law, Definition and Nature of Agency Relationships, Types of Agencies, and Agents

A property manager authorized to handle all matters relating to one building is which kind of agent?

Written to DRE's published topic list. Not a real examination question, since reproducing those is a misdemeanor under B&P Code section 123.

Primary sources

Use these authorities when a course summary, forum answer, or older flashcard conflicts with the current California rule.

Where this is tested

Laws of Agency and Fiduciary DutiesWho you represent, when that duty begins, and what you owe someone you do not represent. Study California's agency disclosures and the duties that continue when dual agency is properly disclosed and consented to.17%Practice Agency and Fiduciary Duties35 questions on this area, every option explained.Practice

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