Agen Representing the buyer and seller

[William R.]

Can a real estate agent represent the buyer and seller? I didn't see any previous discussions on this topic. Would they be willing to accept a slightly reduced commission for working both sides of the transaction?  I am interested in this from a buyers perspective and I understand that this would put more of the due diligence on me and I would want my inspector etc.  Has anyone done this? Thanks for any input!

[Russell Brazil]

It varies by state whether they can. In 3 of the 4 states I do business in it is legal, in Maryland it is not. 

An agents brokerage may have a policy against it even in places where it is legal, so even if it is you can't assume the agent will be able to do so.