A person who authorizes another person to act on his behalf is called:

The term used to describe a person who authorizes another to act on their behalf is the Principal. In real estate and legal contexts, the principal is the individual who grants authority to another party, known as the agent, to make decisions or take actions in their name. This relationship is fundamental to many business transactions where decision-making may require expertise or representation.

Unlike the agent, who carries out tasks and duties on behalf of the principal, the principal retains ultimate control and responsibility. The relationship delineates that while the agent acts, it is the principal who provides the agency power. In this context, knowing who the principal is helps clarify the framework of authority and responsibility within real estate dealings and other contractual agreements.

The other terms listed refer to different roles: an agent acts on behalf of the principal, an advocate represents someone, often in a legal sense, while a proxy typically implies someone designated to act on behalf of another in a specific context, such as voting. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the vital role of the principal in authorizing actions and decisions in real estate transactions and beyond.