What is a buyer broker agreement and do I have to sign one?

A buyer broker agreement is a contract between you and your agent that spells out how the agent will be paid, how long the agreement lasts, and what services they'll provide. As of recent changes, agents are required to have a written agreement before showing you homes. You are not required to sign one to look at homes online or attend open houses on your own, but any agent working directly with you will ask you to sign. The agreement protects both sides by clarifying compensation (usually paid from the sale proceeds but structured in different ways) and expectations. You can negotiate the terms, including duration and whether it's exclusive. Read it carefully and ask questions before signing. Jon can walk you through exactly how his buyer agreements work and answer any concerns you have.