The Buyer Broker Agreement
Do You Have to Sign Something to See Homes With a Realtor?
Fort Walton Beach
- Niceville
- Navarre
- Crestview
- Shalimar
- Mary Esther
- Destin
- Freeport
You found a house you want to see, you call an agent, and the first thing they send you is something to sign. If that caught you off guard, you're not alone. Here's what a buyer broker agreement really is, who it protects, and when you actually need one.
Yes, Before Your First Tour With an Agent
Since August 17, 2024, agents in the MLS who work with buyers need a written agreement in place before touring a home with you. It spells out what your agent will do for you and how they'll be paid.
Sources: NAR consumer guide and Florida Realtors.
A buyer broker agreement isn't a trap. It's the moment your agent puts in writing exactly what they'll do for you and how they'll be paid, before you ever walk into a house together. Buyers I work with around Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and Crestview should feel comfortable asking every question about it first.
Do I Need to Sign for This?
Tap what you're about to do and see if an agreement comes first.
Going to an Open House
No. You can walk into an open house on your own without a buyer agreement.
The host usually works for the seller. If you already have an agent, mention their name when you sign in.
Just Asking Questions
No. Talking with an agent about how they work, or about the market, doesn't require an agreement.
It's a great time to ask what they'll do for you and how they're paid, before anything is signed.
Touring a Home With Your Agent
Yes. A written agreement comes before your first tour together.
It can name just that one home's address, or the city or county you're searching. You decide what you're comfortable with.
A Live Video Tour
Yes. A live video tour from your agent counts as a tour, so the agreement comes first.
This helps out-of-town and PCS buyers too. You can sign electronically from anywhere.
The Listing Agent Shows You Their Listing
Usually not, when the agent is only working for the seller and simply giving you access.
That agent represents the seller, not you. Here's what to know before buying through the listing agent.
What It Really Protects
A buyer broker agreement protects both of you. You know exactly what you're getting, and your agent knows they're working for you.
Who does a buyer broker agreement protect?
You, first. It puts in writing what your agent will do, how long the agreement lasts and exactly how they'll be paid, so there are no surprises at the closing table. It also protects your agent's time and work on your behalf.
- Your agent's duties are spelled out
- It names one home, or the city or county you're searching
- Pay is a set amount or rate, never open-ended
- Your agent can't be paid more than it says
More Buyer Agreement QuestionsLength, canceling and Florida forms
Most buyer agreements name the city or county you're searching, and if you're sure about just one home, it can list only that address. How long it lasts is up to you and your agent. Before you sign, ask two questions: how long does this last, and how does it end? A good agent will happily walk you through both. Whether you're buying in Navarre, Shalimar or Fort Walton Beach, you should never feel stuck with someone who isn't the right fit.
What VA Buyers Should Know
What changed for VA loans
- Since August 10, 2024, VA lets veterans pay their own buyer's agent fee when needed.
- The fee can't be rolled into your VA loan.
- Amounts should be reasonable and customary, and they're negotiable.
What still works in your favor
- The seller can still pay your agent's fee.
- VA doesn't count a seller-paid buyer's agent fee as a seller concession.
- Your lender confirms how it all works on your loan.
Source: VA Circular 26-24-14. VA rules can change, so always check with your lender.
Moving to Eglin or Hurlburt on PCS orders? You can sign your buyer agreement electronically before you ever arrive, so we can start live video tours right away. My VA buying guide walks through the rest of the process.
Follow the Agreement to the Finish Line
Tap each stage to see where the agreement fits from your first call to closing day.
The First Conversation
You talk with an agent about what you want and how they work. No agreement is needed just to talk.
The Agreement Is Signed
Before your first tour, you and your agent sign. It sets their duties, how long it lasts and exactly how they'll be paid.
Touring Homes
Now you can tour homes together, in person or by live video. Your agent is working for you.
Writing the Offer
Your offer can ask the seller to cover your agent's pay or help with your closing costs, through seller concessions. Then you go under contract.
Closing Day
Your agent is paid at closing through the title company, based on the agreement and your contract, and never more than the agreement says.
Clear Terms, Before You Tour
A buyer broker agreement simply puts your working relationship in writing before you start touring homes together. You know what your agent will do, how long it lasts and how they're paid, and every part of it is negotiable. Read it, ask questions, and only sign when it feels right.
Ask an agent to explain the agreement out loud before you sign it. How they explain it tells you a lot about how they'll communicate with you through the rest of your purchase.
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