Buyer question
Do I have to sign an agreement with an agent before touring homes?
Short answer
Usually, yes. Since August 17, 2024, agents who are REALTORS® or use an MLS ask buyers to sign a written agreement before touring a home with them. The agreement states the services and the agent’s compensation, which is negotiable and not set by law.
What the agreement covers
- The services the agent will provide
- How long the agreement lasts
- The agent’s compensation, stated as a specific amount or rate (not a range)
Good to know
You can read it, ask questions and negotiate its terms before you sign. Visiting an open house on your own does not require one.
Ask any agent to walk you through the agreement line by line before your first tour.