What type of agency arrangement is exemplified when one agent represents the seller and another represents the buyer in the same firm?

The situation described involves different agents within the same firm representing opposing sides of a transaction, namely the seller and the buyer. This setup is typically referred to as designated or appointed agency.

In designated agency, a brokerage firm designates specific agents to represent each party in a transaction. This allows the agents to advocate for their respective clients' best interests while still operating under the same brokerage. This arrangement helps to avoid conflicts of interest and ensures that both the buyer and seller receive focused representation tailored to their unique needs.

By contrast, dual agency would mean that a single agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, creating a different dynamic regarding the agent's fiduciary responsibilities. Implied agency does not pertain directly to the arrangement of distinct agents within the same firm but rather refers to a situation where agency is established by actions rather than a formal agreement. Exclusive agency involves a seller hiring a particular agent to sell their property but does not involve the scenario of two agents representing opposite parties in the same transaction.

Thus, the correct identification of the agency type reflects the specific arrangement of having dedicated agents for each side within the brokerage, ensuring proper representation and managing potential conflicts.