Best rule of thumb, never trust a realtor, they misrepresent both sides, and are in it for the money. Hire an attorney in a short sell. Never let they property go to foreclosure, deed it back.
Realtors that are under agency are legally obligated to represent one or the other (or can be neutral). On occasion in ‘dual’ agency both sides, are being ‘serviced’ with full disclosure to each party. That’s the way it is in Missouri. But the advice regarding seeking an attorney is absolutely valid but attorneys are not looked at any more favorably than Realtors (at least that’s been my experience). Most of my clients do not wish to seek out an attorneys advice.