When assigned by the broker to represent one party in an in-house transaction, a real estate licensee is acting as what type of agent?

In the context of real estate transactions, when a broker assigns a licensee to represent one specific party—either the buyer or the seller—in an in-house transaction, that licensee is acting as a designated agent. This arrangement allows the designated agent to have the fiduciary responsibility to advocate solely for the interests of the client they represent, while still operating under the umbrella of the broker's license.

Designated agency is particularly important in in-house transactions because it helps to prevent conflicts of interest within the brokerage. While the broker maintains a relationship with both parties involved in the transaction, the designated agent is focused on serving the interests of one party, thus ensuring loyalty and dedicated representation.

The other types of agents mentioned, such as general agents and special agents, refer to different scopes of authority and responsibilities. A general agent typically has a broader level of authority to act on behalf of a principal in various matters, while a special agent is usually limited to specific tasks or acts, such as creating a listing agreement or facilitating a singular transaction without ongoing responsibilities. A sub-agent typically refers to another agent who acts on behalf of a primary agent, which does not align with the scenario of a licensee specifically designated to represent one party in a transaction.