Which of the following best describes a special agent?

A special agent is specifically authorized to represent a principal (employer) in a single, defined act or transaction. This means that their authority and responsibilities are limited to the task at hand, rather than encompassing a broad range of activities. In real estate, a special agent might be a real estate broker or sales associate who is hired to sell a particular property or to negotiate a specific contract.

The clarity of this role lies in its defined scope, which is to act on behalf of one principal concerning a specific purpose. This is distinct from general agents, who have a wider scope of authority, enabling them to perform various acts in the ordinary course of business on behalf of the principal. By focusing exclusively on one task or deal, special agents maintain a clear mandate that is easier for both the agent and the principal to understand and manage. Thus, the definition emphasizes the limited, targeted nature of authority granted to special agents in the real estate context.