Which of the following best defines a customer in real estate transactions?

The concept of a customer in real estate transactions refers to an individual who engages in a transaction without establishing an agency relationship with a real estate agent. This means that while a customer may seek assistance or information during the transaction process, they have not formally retained or employed the agent to represent their interests.

In real estate, the distinction between 'customer' and 'client' is crucial. A client is someone who has a formal agreement with an agent, and the agent owes fiduciary duties to that client, such as loyalty, disclosure, and confidentiality. In contrast, a customer does not enjoy these protections. This understanding highlights the significance of agency relationships and the level of representation one can expect during a transaction.

The other options, while they touch on aspects of real estate transactions, misunderstand the specific definition of a customer. For instance, hiring an agent establishes a client relationship, and therefore does not fit the definition of a customer. Meanwhile, having an equitable interest in the property implies a deeper commitment, likely signifying a client relationship as well, and providing financing does not relate specifically to the definition of a customer within this context.