Why Home Buyers Now Need to Sign a Buyer Broker Agreement Before Viewing Homes

If you’ve started looking for a home recently, you might have noticed a new step in the process: before an agent can show you any properties, you now have to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement. This isn’t your agent being pushy or adding extra paperwork — it’s actually part of a nationwide rule change made by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) that took effect in August 2024. The goal is to make real estate transactions more transparent and ensure every buyer understands who represents them and how that person is compensated.

In the past, buyers could tour homes with multiple agents or even without officially committing to one. But that often caused confusion — buyers didn’t always know who was truly representing their interests, and agents weren’t always sure if they’d be compensated for their time and effort.

Sometimes buyers didn’t realize the agent showing them homes actually represented the seller, not them. Other times, agents would spend a lot of time helping a buyer only to find out that person was already working with someone else.

Now, before an agent can show you homes or do substantial work on your behalf, both of you must sign a written agreement that spells out:

• Who the agent represents (you, the buyer)

• What services they’ll provide

• How and when they’ll be compensated

• How long the agreement lasts

It’s designed to protect both sides. You’ll have a clear understanding of your relationship and your agent’s duties, and your agent can fully commit to helping you find the right home — knowing they’re officially your representative.

The Buyer Broker Agreement doesn’t lock you in forever. Most can be adjusted or canceled if things aren’t working out. But this new rule ensures everyone is on the same page from the start — no surprises, no confusion, just clear expectations and better representation for you.

What if You Don't Want to Sign an Agreement?

An agent is required to have you sign an agreement before showing you a property. Different areas have different agreements. In the Greater Phoenix area, we have a choice of two different forms. They are explained in the blog post titled: Understanding the New Buyer Broker Agreements: What Every Homebuyer Should Know. This will explain the new rules in detail.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this FAQ please Contact Me or give me a call at 480-906-1500.

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