Who is typically authorized to perform a specific act in real estate transactions?

In real estate transactions, a special agent is typically authorized to perform a specific act on behalf of the principal, such as selling a property or managing a specific transaction. The special agent operates under a limited scope of authority that is explicitly defined, often outlined in a listing agreement or a contract that specifies the particular actions the agent can take.

This distinction is important because it sets boundaries around the agent's powers. Unlike a general agent, who has broader authority to act on behalf of the principal in a variety of matters, or a designated agent, who may represent one party in a transaction while another agent from the same brokerage represents the other party, the special agent's role is narrowly focused. Their authority does not extend beyond the specific task or act they have been engaged to perform, making them integral to targeted real estate processes while ensuring that the principal's wishes are closely followed.