A buyer representation agreement is now standard practice, and in many cases required before an agent can show you homes, so it’s worth actually understanding what’s in it rather than signing without reading. I’m Robbie English, REALTOR, Broker with Uncommon Realty, and here’s what the document actually covers.
What the Agreement Actually Establishes
Signing creates a fiduciary relationship: the agent is legally bound to work in your interest, not the seller’s, which is a meaningfully different standard than an agent who’s simply being friendly and helpful without that obligation. Without a signed agreement, an agent showing you homes may not owe you that same duty of loyalty, even if the relationship feels informal and helpful along the way.
The Terms Actually Worth Reading Closely
Duration is the first thing to check: agreements typically run anywhere from a few weeks to six months or longer, and it’s reasonable to ask for a shorter initial term if you’re not certain about the fit. Exclusivity matters too, most agreements are exclusive, meaning you agree to work with that agent alone during the term, so understand what that actually restricts before signing.
Compensation terms are the section most buyers skip past, and shouldn’t. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, the agreement spells out how your agent gets paid: whether that’s expected to come from the seller as part of the deal, built into your offer, or paid by you directly if the seller doesn’t cover it. Ask specifically what happens if a seller refuses to offer compensation on a home you want to buy, since that scenario is exactly what this section is meant to address.
What to Ask Before You Sign
Ask what happens if you want to end the agreement early, since not all agreements make that equally easy, and a good agent shouldn’t be uncomfortable explaining the cancellation terms. Ask whether the agreement covers a specific area or price range, or is broader than you actually need. And ask directly what the agent’s compensation expectation is for a typical transaction, so there’s no ambiguity if you end up negotiating for it later.
Why This Protects You, Not Just the Agent
A written agreement isn’t only there to secure the agent’s compensation, it’s there so you know exactly what you’re getting: a defined scope of representation, clear duties, and a documented relationship if a dispute or misunderstanding comes up later in the transaction. Buyers who skip this step and work informally have less protection if something goes wrong, not more flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign a buyer’s representation agreement to tour homes?
In most markets today, yes, an agent typically needs a signed agreement in place before showing you homes, similar to how a listing agreement works for sellers.
Can I negotiate the terms of a buyer’s representation agreement?
Yes. Duration, exclusivity, and compensation terms are all reasonable to discuss and adjust before signing, and a good agent should be willing to walk through each section with you.
What happens if I want to switch agents mid-agreement?
It depends on the cancellation terms in your specific agreement, which is exactly why it’s worth reading and asking about upfront rather than after you’ve decided to switch.
If you want help reading through a specific agreement’s terms before you sign anything, that’s a conversation worth having first.
