Virginia Real Est. Comm'n v. Bias, 308 S.E.2d 123 (Va. 1983). · Go Syfert
Virginia Real Est. Comm'n v. Bias, 308 S.E.2d 123 (Va. 1983). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“the phrase 'substantial evidence' refers to 'such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.”
517 citation events (292 in the last 25 years) across 26 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Virginia Retirement System v. Cirillo (vactapp, 2009-05-19)
Treatment trajectory · 1984 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1984 2005 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Virginia Retirement System v. Cirillo (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
Va. Ct. App. · 2009 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the phrase 'substantial evidence' refers to 'such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ida Smith v. Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
Va. Ct. App. · 2025 · confidence medium
Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 (1983) (quoting Consol.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) The East End Landfill, LLC v. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (2×)
Va. Ct. App. · 2025 · confidence medium
“The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Hedleston v. Va. Retirement Sys., 62 Va. App. 592, 599 (2013) (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 (1983)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Norton v. Wilkins & Co. Realty, Inc.
W.D. Va. · 2022 · confidence medium
A broker’s duty is owed “at all times” to “his principal.” Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (Va. 1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Katherine Valentine v. Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services
Va. Ct. App. · 2021 · confidence medium
“The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Mulvey, 41 Va. App. at 603 (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rebecca Benedict-Miller v. Virginia Department of Social Services (2×) also: Cited "see"
Va. Ct. App. · 2021 · confidence medium
Thus, we may only reject a factual finding “if, after considering the record as a whole, [we] determine[] that a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.” Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 (1983) (quoting B.
cited Cited as authority (rule) North View Home For Adults, LLC v. Virginia Department of Health
Va. Ct. App. · 2021 · confidence medium
Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 268-69 (1983)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Chesapeake Hospital Authority d/b/a, etc. v. State Health Commissioner and Sentara Hospitals
Va. Ct. App. · 2020 · confidence medium
Hosp., 260 Va. 267, 275 (2000) (quoting Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 268-69 (1983)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Berglund Chevrolet, Inc. v. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Va. Ct. App. · 2020 · confidence medium
Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Corbin Moon v. Virginia Department of Social Services
Va. Ct. App. · 2019 · confidence medium
“The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Mulvey, 41 Va. App. at 603 (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Chantel Ray Finch v. Commonwealth of VA, Dept. of Professional & Occupational Regulation
Va. Ct. App. · 2019 · confidence medium
“Substantial evidence” is “‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’ Under this standard, applicable here, the court may reject the agency’s findings of fact ‘only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’” Virginia Real Estate Commission v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 (1983) (citations omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Pankaj Merchia, M.D. v. Virginia Board of Medicine
Va. Ct. App. · 2018 · confidence medium
The phrase “substantial evidence” refers to “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’”” Hedleston, 62 Va. App. at 597 , 751 S.E.2d at 3 (ellipsis in original) (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hazem Garada, M.D. v. Virginia Board of Medicine
Va. Ct. App. · 2018 · confidence medium
Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983). “[T]he court may reject the agency’s findings of fact ‘only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’” Id. (quoting Basil J.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Robert London v. Virginia Department of Social Services (2×)
Va. Ct. App. · 2018 · confidence medium
“The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Mulvey, 41 Va. App. at -7- 603, 587 S.E.2d at 729 (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Matthew Mills v. Virginia Department of Social Services
Va. Ct. App. · 2018 · confidence medium
“The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Mulvey v. Jones, 41 -8- Va. App. 600, 603, 587 S.E.2d 728, 729 (2003) (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hampton Roads Sanitation District v. Virginia Department of Enviornmental Quality
Va. Ct. App. · 2017 · confidence medium
“The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Hedleston v. Va. Retirement Sys., 62 Va. App. 592, 599 , 751 S.E.2d 1, 4 (2013) (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Virginia Retirement System v. Ricky A. Blair
Va. Ct. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Holding otherwise would serve to contravene the General Assembly’s intended goal of “ ‘giv[ing] great stability and finality to the fact-findings of an administrative agency.’ ” 1st Stop Health Services v. DMAS, 63 Va.App. 266, 277 , 756 S.E.2d 183, 189 (2014) (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Virginia Marine Resources Commission v. Dennis W. Parker
Va. Ct. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
This Court has held that “the phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’ ” Hedleston v. Va. Retirement Sys., 62 Va.App. 592, 599 , 751 S.E.2d 1, 4 (2013) (emphasis added) (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)). “ ‘[I]n the context of factual issues, the reviewing court shall take due account of the presumption of official regularity, the experience and specialized competence of the agency, and the purposes of the basic law under which t…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Virginia Marine Resources Commission v. Darrell W. Insley
Va. Ct. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
This Court has held that “the phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Hedleston v. Va. Retirement Sys., 62 Va. App. 592, 599 , 751 S.E.2d 1, 4 (2013) (emphasis added) (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)). “‘[I]n the context of factual issues, the reviewing court shall take due account of the presumption of official regularity, the experience and specialized competence of the agency, and the purposes of the basic law under which th…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Department of Medical Assistance Services/Commonwealth of Virginia v. Ablix Corporation, d/b/a, etc.
Va. Ct. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
“Substantial evidence” is “‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983) (emphasis in original).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) LifeCare Medical Transports, Inc. v. Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
Va. Ct. App. · 2014 · confidence medium
Under this relaxed standard, “[n]o reversible error will be found ... unless there is a clear showing of prejudice arising from the [ruling of admissibility] or unless it is plain that the agency’s conclusions were determined by the improper evidence, and that a contrary result would have been reached in its absence.” Id. (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 270 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 126 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lewis-Gale Medical Center, LLC v. Cynthia C. Romero, M.D., State Health Commissioner, etc.
Va. Ct. App. · 2014 · confidence medium
“Under the substantial evidence standard, the reviewing ‘court may reject the agency’s findings of fact only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’” Loudoun Hosp., 50 Va. App. at 491, 650 S.E.2d at 885-86 (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)) (internal quotation marks omitted).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Inc. v. Commonwealth of Virginia, etc.
Va. Ct. App. · 2014 · confidence medium
This standard is designed “to give great stability and finality to the fact-findings of an administrative agency.” Virginia Real Estate Commission v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) 1st Stop Health Services, Inc., etc. v. Department of Medical Assistance Services, etc.
Va. Ct. App. · 2014 · confidence medium
This standard is designed “to give great stability and finality to the fact-findings of an administrative agency.” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital v. Department of Medical Assistance Services
Richmond County Cir. Ct. · 2014 · confidence medium
Virginia Real Estate Bd. v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, Commonwealth of Virginia v. David Barton (3×) also: Cited "see"
Va. Ct. App. · 2013 · confidence medium
Further, the Board asserts that its finding is a factual issue that this Court “‘may reject . . . only if, considering the [evidence] as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’” Appellant’s Br. at 17 (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Boyd B. Hedleston v. Virginia Retirement System
Va. Ct. App. · 2013 · confidence medium
The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’ ” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983) (quoting Consolidated Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229 , 59 S.Ct. 206, 217 , 83 L.Ed. 126 (1938)). “[T]he court may reject the agency’s findings of fact ‘only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’ ” Id. (quoting B.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Lewis-Gale Medical Center, L.L.C. v. Remley
Salem Cir. Ct. · 2013 · confidence medium
Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sentara Enterprises v. Department of Medical Assistance Services
Norfolk Cir. Ct. · 2012 · confidence medium
The substantial evidence standard applicable to judicial review of agency decisions has been defined as “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 268, 308 S.E.2d 123 (1983) (emphasis in original).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Virginia Board for Branch Pilots v. Walter H. McCrory, Jr. (2×)
Va. Ct. App. · 2012 · confidence medium
Under the “substantial evidence” standard, an agency’s factual findings should be rejected “ ‘only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’ ” Tidewater Psychiatric Inst. v. Buttery, 8 Va.App. 380, 386, 382 S.E.2d 288, 291 (1989) (quoting Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Petersburg Hospital Company, LLC, etc. v. Karen Remley, M.D., etc. (2×)
Va. Ct. App. · 2012 · confidence medium
“In considering whether the record evidence is sufficient to support a factual finding made by an agency, we apply the substantial evidence standard of review.” Sentara, 260 Va. at 275 , 534 S.E.2d at 330 (citing Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 268-69 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Uss v. Virginia Retirement System
Fairfax Cir. Ct. · 2011 · confidence medium
Virginia Real Estate Commission v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gordon v. Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Roanoke County Cir. Ct. · 2010 · confidence medium
Where there has been a formal agency hearing pursuant to the Virginia Administrative Process Act, as here, the determination of factual issues is to be made “upon the whole evidential record provided by the agency.” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 (1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Alfon Maristela v. Virginia Board of Nursing
Va. Ct. App. · 2010 · confidence medium
Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 270 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 126 (1983) (citing Norfolk and Western Railway Co. v. Commonwealth, 162 Va. 314, 322-23 , 174 S.E. 85, 88 (1934)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Williams v. Commonwealth of Virginia Real Estate Board
Va. Ct. App. · 2010 · confidence medium
“However, the rules of evidence are relaxed in an administrative proceeding and the findings will not be reversed solely because the [presiding member] considered evidence not in the record.” Id. “ ‘[T]he mere fact that the [agency] has looked beyond the record does not invalidate its action unless substantial prejudice is shown to result.’ ” Id. (quoting United States v. Pierce Auto Freight Lines, Inc., 327 U.S. 515, 530 , 66 S.Ct. 687, 695 , 90 L.Ed. 821 (1946) (alterations in Johnstonr-Willis)). “ ‘No reversible error will be found ... unless there is a clear showing of prej…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jennings Motor Co. v. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Fairfax Cir. Ct. · 2010 · confidence medium
With respect to the agency’s findings of fact, the Court must accept the agency’s findings of fact unless “a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.” Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-4027 ; Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983); Vasaio v. DMV, 42 Va. App. 190, 196 , 590 S.E.2d 596, 599 (2004) (quoting Johnston-Willis, Ltd. v. Kenley, 6 Va. App. 231, 242, 369 S.E.2d 1, 7 (1988)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rod Freeman Hobbs v. Anthony Conyers, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Social Services
Va. Ct. App. · 2010 · confidence medium
“This standard is designed ‘to give great stability and finality to the fact-finding process of the administrative agency.’” Atkinson v. Virginia ABC Comm’n, 1 Va. App. 172, 176 , 336 S.E.2d 527, 530 (1985) (quoting Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Commonwealth v. Needham (2×)
Va. Ct. App. · 2009 · confidence medium
By design, this standard gives "great stability and finality to the fact-findings of an administrative agency.” Va. Real Estate Comm’n [v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269, 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)] (quoting Consol.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mazloumi v. Department of Environmental Quality
Va. Ct. App. · 2009 · confidence medium
This standard gives “great stability and finality to the fact-findings of an administrative agency.” Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Flournoy v. Commonwealth of Board for Contractors
Henrico Cir. Ct. · 2009 · confidence medium
Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 (1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) R K Enterprises, Inc., T/A Goldies Convenience Store v. Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Va. Ct. App. · 2009 · confidence medium
“The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983) (quoting Consolidated Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229 , (1938)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Commodore Associates, Inc., d/b/a Commodore Theatre v. Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Va. Ct. App. · 2009 · confidence medium
Under the “substantial evidence” standard, an agency’s factual findings should be rejected “‘only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’” Tidewater Psychiatric Inst. v. Buttery, 8 Va. App. 380, 386 , 382 S.E.2d 288, 291 (1989) (quoting Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Doctors' Hospital of Williamsburg, LLC v. Stroube
Va. Ct. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
Under this standard of review, this Court will reject an agency’s factual findings “ ‘only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’ ” Tidewater Psychiatric Inst. v. Buttery, 8 Va.App. 380, 386 , 382 S.E.2d 288, 291 (1989) (quoting Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Leesburg Imports, L.L.C., t/a Leesburg Honda v. D.B. Smit, Commissioner, and
Va. Ct. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
Under this standard, the reviewing “court may reject the agency’s findings of fact only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) NRV Real Estate, LLC v. Virginia Department of Health
Va. Ct. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
Substantial evidence is only “‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’ ” Va. Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983) (quoting Consol.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lokesh Babu Vuyyuru, M.D. v. Virginia Board of Medicine
Va. Ct. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Virginia Real Estate Com’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 126 (1983) (quoting Consol.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) William K. Lennon, D.D.S. v. Virginia Board of Dentistry
Va. Ct. App. · 2007 · confidence medium
The phrase ‘substantial evidence’ refers to ‘such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983) (quoting Consolidated Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229 (1938)) (emphasis in original). “‘Under this standard, . . . the court may reject the agency’s findings of -4- fact only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’” Aegis Waste Solutions, Inc. v. Concerned Taxpayers of Brunswick …
examined Cited as authority (rule) LOUDOUN HOSP. CENTER v. Stroube (5×) also: Cited "see"
Va. Ct. App. · 2007 · confidence medium
Under the substantial evidence standard, the reviewing "court may reject the agency's findings of fact `only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily *886 come to a different conclusion.'" Virginia Real Estate Comm'n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983) (quoting B.
examined Cited as authority (rule) Loudon Hospital Center v. Robert B. Stroude, M.D. (5×) also: Cited "see"
Va. Ct. App. · 2007 · confidence medium
Under the substantial evidence standard, the reviewing “court may reject the agency’s findings of fact ‘only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.’ ” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983) (quoting B.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Reffat K. Abofreka, M.D. v. Virginia Board of Medicine
Va. Ct. App. · 2007 · confidence medium
The phrase “substantial evidence” refers to “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Under this standard, applicable here, the court may reject the agency’s findings of fact “only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.” Virginia Real Estate Comm’n v. Bias, 226 Va. 264, 269 , 308 S.E.2d 123, 125 (1983) (citations omitted).
Virginia Real Estate Commission
v.
Dorsey Bias, Broker, T/A Cavalier Realty Company
Record 810884.
Supreme Court of Virginia.
Oct 14, 1983.
308 S.E.2d 123
Richard C. Kast, Assistant Attorney General (Marshall Coleman, Attorney General; Susan R. Stevick, Assistant Attorney General, on briefs), for appellant., Ralph E. Main, Jr., for appellee.
Russell.
Cited by 181 opinions  |  Published
RUSSELL, J.,

delivered the opinion of the Court.

The controlling question in this appeal is whether there was substantial evidence in the record of proceedings before an administrative agency to support its findings.

The Virginia Real Estate Commission, acting upon a complaint against Dorsey V. Bias, a broker, found that Bias had violated its Regulation 8.2(19), which requires a broker or salesman “to promptly tender to the seller every written offer to purchase obtained on the property involved.” The commission suspended Bias’ license for one year and fined him $1,000.00. Bias appealed the ruling to the Circuit Court of Albemarle County, which reviewed the record and heard arguments of counsel. The court held that the commission’s ruling was based upon an “error of law” and that the commission had “improperly admitted” certain evidence. The court vacated the commission’s order and remanded the case. The commission appeals.

The essential facts are undisputed. Dorsey Bias is a licensed broker in Charlottesville, trading as Cavalier Realty Company. In 1977, Dr. John Staige Davis was the owner of a tract of 125 acres in Buckingham County. He agreed to sell ten acres to a Mrs.[*267] Rathbone for $15,000.00 to settle a debt, but died before the sale could be effected. His widow, Tolly E. Davis, was aware of the proposed sale to Mrs. Rathbone and intended to honor it. Mrs. Davis was in need of funds, however, and on September 18, 1977, listed the remaining 115 acres with Bias for sale at a price of $75,000. A prospective purchaser, Thomas Wetzel, had visited the farm before the death of Dr. Davis and knew that it contained 125 acres. He discussed the property with John Bias, a son of Dorsey Bias and also a broker with Cavalier Realty Company. Neither John Bias nor Wetzel was aware of the reduction in the acreage offered for sale. At John Bias’ suggestion, Wetzel and his wife signed a written offer to purchase the entire 125-acre tract for $60,000. They deposited the written offer in the mailbox of Cavalier Realty on the evening of September 20, 1977. John Bias found the offer the next morning and acknowledged it by letter to Wetzel. He testified that he did not remember what he did with the offer, but his normal practice would have been to place it on his father’s desk.

Wetzel inquired about his offer at Cavalier Realty on September 24 or 25. He was informed that it had been rejected. Mrs. Davis never received any offer from Wetzel.

Dorsey Bias was in West Virginia on September 19, 20, and 21. On the morning of September 22, he returned to Cavalier Realty and called Mrs. Davis on the telephone, offering to purchase in his own name, for $50,000, the 115 acres listed with him for sale. When Mrs. Davis indicated her agreement, he prepared contracts both for his purchase and that of Mrs. Rathbone, and mailed them to Mrs. Davis for her signature. He testified that he was then unaware of the Wetzel offer.

Dorsey Bias talked with Mrs. Davis by telephone again on September 24. Mrs. Davis indicated a desire for a higher price, and Bias increased his offer to $53,500. Mrs. Davis agreed to this and promised to alter the price in the written contract, sign it, and return it to him.

Bias testified that he first became aware of the Wetzel offer on September 24, after the telephone conversation with Mrs. Davis, but that he made no effort to communicate it to her because he considered himself to be the contract purchaser and regarded his responsibilities as a broker to be at an end.

Bias received the signed contracts from Mrs. Davis by mail on September 26 or 27. Nevertheless, Wetzel discovered about one[*268] month later that Cavalier Realty was still listing a 20-acre parcel of the original 115-acre Davis property for sale, showing Mrs. Davis as the owner. On October 25, 1977, Wetzel made an offer of $35,000 for this parcel, and later increased it to $38,000. John Bias told him that this offer, too, was rejected. This offer was never communicated to Mrs. Davis. Bias did not acquire title to the 115-acre tract until January 6, 1978. Thereafter, Wetzel discovered that Bias had purchased the Davis property and made complaint to the commission that his offers had never been communicated to Mrs. Davis.

The commission found as facts that Bias “reasonably should have known” of Wetzel’s first offer on September 22, that he did know of it on September 24, and that in failing to communicate it, he “represented his personal interests to the detriment of the seller and ... of the prospective buyers.”

In a letter opinion, the circuit court adopted the view that Bias had the right to purchase the property, with full disclosure of his position to the seller, and that “once the broker himself has become a contract purchaser he has no further obligation as a broker .... Any misconduct, then, on the part of the broker must be shown to have occurred prior to the coming into existence of the contract of sale and purchase between the seller and broker.” Because Bias knew he had become the contract purchaser when he received the signed contracts in the mail from Mrs. Davis on September 26 or 27, the court ruled that evidence of his failure to communicate Wetzel’s offers in October was “improperly admitted.” The court also observed that the commission had erred in finding that Bias acted to the seller’s detriment, since Wetzel’s offer was for a sum less than she would realize by selling to Bias and Mrs. Rathbone. The court found no evidence to support a finding of any misconduct by Bias prior to September 27, except “in the area of internal office management, that is, the failure to monitor the incoming telephone calls and mail more carefully.”

The circuit court’s ruling reflects a misconception of the limited role of a court reviewing a decision by an administrative agency, on the agency’s record, pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (Code § 9-6.14:1 et seq.). Code § 9-6.14:17 provides in pertinent part:

When the decision on review is so to be made on such agency record, the duty of the court with respect to issues of fact is[*269] limited to ascertaining whether there was substantial evidence in the agency record upon which the agency as the trier of the facts could reasonably find them to be as it did.

The “substantial evidence” standard, adopted by the General Assembly, is designed to give great stability and finality to the fact-findings of an administrative agency. The phrase “substantial evidence” refers to “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.” Consolidated Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229 (1938) (emphasis added). Under this standard, applicable here, the court may reject the agency’s findings of fact “only if, considering the record as a whole, a reasonable mind would necessarily come to a different conclusion.” B. Mezines, Administrative Law § 51.01 (1981) (emphasis in original).

Applying these principles to the record made before the commission, it is clear that Wetzel’s offer was in the office of Cavalier Realty on September 21 and that Dorsey Bias was present there on the morning of September 22 and during the next five days. Bias admitted having knowledge of the offer on September 24. The commission reasonably could have concluded that he knew of the offer as early as the morning of September 22.

The commission’s Regulation 8.2(19) required Bias to tender “promptly” to the seller any offer obtained. A broker has at all times a duty to act with entire good faith toward his principal. This includes an obligation to disclose to the principal all facts within his knowledge which are or may be material, or which might influence the principal in deciding upon a course of action. Owen v. Shelton, 221 Va. 1051, 1054, 277 S.E.2d 189, 191 (1981); Duncan v. Barbour, 188 Va. 53, 62, 49 S.E.2d 260, 264 (1948). The commission properly could have found that Bias, acting in his own interest, remained silent about the Wetzel offer for five or six days after he had knowledge of it, even though he could not have known he was a contract purchaser until he received the signed contracts on September 26 or 27. Thus there was ample and substantial evidence to support the commission’s finding that he had violated his duty under the regulation. A reviewing court need inquire no further.

The presence or absence of “detriment” to the seller, caused by Bias’ non-disclosure, is irrelevant. A broker’s duty to communicate an offer promptly to the seller is absolute. It does[*270] not depend upon the broker’s evaluation of the offer as advantageous or otherwise. That decision is the seller’s alone. The seller might have preferred to deal with Wetzel for reasons unknown to Bias. Further, the forwarding of an offer is merely the opening of what may become an extended course of negotiations. The final price might have borne little resemblance to the initial offer. Wetzel’s error, shared by John Bias, as to the acreage offered for sale, was subject to correction in any such negotiations.

Further, we conclude that the commission committed no error of law in receiving evidence that Cavalier Realty still continued to list a part of the 115-acre tract as the property of Mrs. Davis in October, that Wetzel made two offers through Cavalier Realty to buy it, and that the offers were never communicated to her. This evidence tended to contradict Bias by showing the improbability of his contention that he regarded himself, from September 22 on, as a contract purchaser having no further duty as Mrs. Davis’ broker. If otherwise admissible, every fact, however remote or insignificant, that tends to establish the probability or improbability of a fact in issue, is relevant and should be admitted. Epperly v. Commonwealth, 224 Va. 214, 230, 294 S.E.2d 882, 891 (1982).

Even if evidence as to the October transactions had been inadmissible in judicial proceedings, its reception by the commission would not require reversal. The rules of evidence are considerably relaxed in administrative proceedings, and the findings of administrative agencies will not be reversed solely because evidence was received which would have been inadmissible in court. No reversible error will be found in such cases unless there is a clear showing of prejudice arising from the admission of such evidence, or unless it is plain that the agency’s conclusions were determined by the improper evidence, and that a contrary result would have been reached in its absence. See N. &. W. Ry. Co. v. Commonwealth, 162 Va. 314, 322-23, 174 S.E. 85, 88 (1934).

For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the circuit court will be reversed and the order of the Virginia Real Estate Commission reinstated.

Reversed and final judgment.