Direct answer
What does client mean?
A client is a principal who is represented by a real estate agent.
Exam cue: A client receives fiduciary duties because an agency relationship exists.
What does it look like in a question?
Example
A buyer signs an agreement engaging a broker as the buyer's agent.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
A customer may receive honest and fair service but is not represented by that licensee.
Related agency terms
AccountingAccounting is the fiduciary duty to safeguard and properly account for money, documents and property entrusted to the agent.AgencyAgency is a relationship in which an agent is authorized to act for a principal and owes duties within that relationship.Broker's agentA broker's agent is an agent from another firm engaged by a listing, buyer's or tenant's agent to help serve that agent's principal, with no direct relationship to the principal.CustomerA customer is a person who receives services from a licensee but is not represented by that licensee as an agent.Designated sales agentA designated sales agent is a salesperson or associate broker assigned by the broker to represent one client when the same broker also represents another client in the deal.Dual agencyDual agency is one brokerage representing both buyer and seller, or landlord and tenant, in the same transaction, which New York allows only with informed written consent.
Sources used3 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself.
- Real Estate Salesperson 77-Hour CurriculumNew York State Department of StateSupports: Exam scopeSection: Subject 2, Law of Agency
- Real Property Law section 443New York State SenateSupports: New York ruleSection: Definitions, disclosure timing and statutory disclosure forms
- Real Estate License Law, March 2026New York State Department of StateSupports: DefinitionSection: Department of State reference glossary entry for Client
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