Who Can Be Appointed as an Agent?

An agent is a person or thing that has been given permission by the principal to act on behalf of another person or thing. In a variety of circumstances, including business deals, legal cases, and even personal problems, an agent may be appointed. But who may be chosen to serve as an agent? In general, anyone who is capable legally and possesses the expertise and information required to complete the responsibilities allocated to them might be chosen as an agent. This implies that a variety of entities, including people, businesses, partnerships, and others, can function as agents. On who may be chosen to serve as an agent in particular circumstances, there are some limitations. For instance, only licensed real estate agents or brokers may represent buyers or sellers in real estate transactions. Similar to this, only qualified lawyers may represent their clients in court. In some circumstances, particular professions may additionally have particular qualifications for working as agents, such as accountants or financial consultants.

Universal agents, general agents, special agents, and subagents are the four different categories of agents. The power to act on behalf of the principle in any situation is broad for universal agents. General agents have the power to represent the principle in a particular situation, such as running a firm or standing in for a company in a certain area. Special agents can only perform certain duties, including negotiating a deal or signing a contract, within the scope of their limited authority. Agents appoint subagents to aid them in completing their duties.

A real estate agent who works on behalf of a seller to market and sell their property is an example of an agent. The agent has the power to conduct negotiations with prospective purchasers, market the property, and handle any documentation required to close the sale. The agent is carrying out specialized duties associated with the sale of the property in this instance as a special agent with restricted authority.

As a result, anyone who is capable legally and possesses the abilities and information required to complete the tasks entrusted to them can be chosen to serve as an agent. But in some circumstances, there can be particular conditions or limitations on who can be chosen as an agent. Finding the right individual or organization to represent the principal can be made easier by being aware of the many sorts of agents.