"I Bought a House 3 Years Ago… What Do You Mean I Have to Sign a Buyer Broker Agreement Now?!"

If you’re thinking about buying a home this year and your agent just asked you to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement… you’re probably wondering:

“Wait—what changed?”
“Do I really have to sign this?”
“Is this a trick to lock me in?”

Let’s clear it up.

So, What Is a Buyer Broker Agreement?

A Buyer Broker Agreement is a written agreement between you (the buyer) and your real estate agent. It outlines:

• What services your agent will provide

• How long you’re working together

• The geographic area you’re shopping in

• How your agent will get paid

It’s basically a formal way of saying: Yes, I want you to represent me—and I understand how this works.

Why Am I Hearing About This Now?

You're not crazy—this wasn’t common practice a few years ago. But in 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reached a major settlement that changed the way real estate commissions are structured.

One of the biggest changes?
Buyer agents now need to have a signed agreement in place before showing homes or discussing strategy.
This is being rolled out across the country as part of MLS policy updates—so it’s not just a brokerage thing. It’s becoming an industry standard.

Okay… But What Am I Agreeing To, Exactly?

The agreement simply says:

• You’re working with one agent

• That agent is working for you, not the seller

• You understand how their commission will be handled

Most agreements are negotiable—especially around compensation—and in many cases, the seller still covers the buyer agent's fee through listing-side cooperation. But the key is: now it needs to be disclosed in writing.

Why This Actually Protects You as a Buyer

This isn’t about agents trying to trap you—it’s about transparency and accountability:
You get a clear outline of what your agent will (and won’t) do
You avoid surprise fees or hidden conflicts
You know exactly how your agent is getting paid—and by whom
Your agent has a fiduciary duty to advocate solely for your interests

Think of it like hiring an attorney or financial planner. You’d want something in writing to make sure everyone’s on the same page, right?

What If I Don’t Want to Sign One?

That’s totally fair to ask. Here’s the reality:

• You can still tour open houses on your own

• But many agents (including me) won’t do private showings or submit offers without an agreement in place

• Why? Because legally, we’re being asked to define our role before doing the work—not after

This is about protecting everyone, not limiting your freedom.

Bottom Line: This Is the New Normal—But It Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

If you’re thinking about buying, the Buyer Broker Agreement is just part of how we do real estate now. It creates a clear, respectful working relationship—where everyone understands expectations upfront.

And as always, if you ever have questions about what’s in it, how it works, or what you’re signing—I’m here to walk you through it without pressure.

Because helping you buy a home well is still the mission. The paperwork just caught up.

Still Have Questions About Buyer Agreements?
I’m happy to walk you through what’s changing, what it means for you, and how to move forward with confidence.

📅 Let’s talk: Link to schedule a quick call
📩 Or shoot me a message: (321) 663-3368