In a real estate context, who does the term principal refer to?

In a real estate context, the term "principal" refers specifically to the client of a broker in an agency relationship. This means that the principal is the person or entity who hires the broker to act on their behalf in a real estate transaction. The principal can be either a buyer or a seller, or in some cases, a landlord or tenant in the context of leasing.

This relationship is foundational to real estate practice because it establishes the duty of loyalty and fiduciary responsibilities that the broker has toward the principal. The broker is expected to act in the best interests of the principal, providing guidance, advice, and representation throughout the transaction process.

Other roles mentioned, like the real estate agent providing services or the property management team, are usually considered representatives or service providers rather than principals. The bank providing housing loans is a financial institution and plays a different role in the overall transaction, focusing on financing rather than the agency relationship inherent in the principal-broker dynamic.