Which real estate agent has the responsibility to put the interests of the client first?

The designated agent is the correct answer because this role specifically entails a fiduciary responsibility to represent the best interests of the client. In a real estate transaction, a designated agent is appointed to act solely for the benefit of one party, whether it's the buyer or the seller. This includes duties such as loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, and accounting — all essential aspects of ensuring the client's interests are prioritized.

In contrast, other roles, like the transaction broker, operate differently by facilitating the transaction without providing fiduciary duties to either party. While a general agent has duties to their principal, they typically represent a broader scope of responsibilities rather than the specific accountability that comes with being a designated agent. A sub-agent, on the other hand, acts on behalf of the main agent and usually has limited authority, meaning they do not directly represent the client’s interests in the same way a designated agent would. This distinction highlights why the designated agent is primarily responsible for putting the client’s interests first.