In today’s evolving real estate market, commissions must now be disclosed and agreed upon before viewing a home. This shift emphasizes the importance of homebuyers fully understanding the terms and conditions of their agreements with buyer agents.
Clear communication and well-structured Buyer Broker Agreements are essential to:
Understanding these agreements empowers buyers to make informed decisions, ensuring a transparent and fair home-buying process.
The AAR (Arizona Association of Realtors) currently provides two different but similar Buyer Broker forms. The first (recommended) is more specific, the second is more general. Forms dated August 2024.
The Agreement to Show Properties is a flexible option for buyers who want to view homes with an agent without committing to a long-term agreement. This form limits your obligations to the agent, making it a great choice if you’re still exploring your options. If you’re not ready to sign an exclusive employment agreement, this form allows you to tour properties without a firm commitment.
However, when you’re ready to negotiate commissions, submit offers, and enter contracts, you’ll need to sign a Buyer-Broker Exclusive Employment Agreement. This agreement clearly defines expectations, responsibilities, and commission terms, ensuring transparency for both you and your agent. Your agent can walk you through the details and help you understand how it works.
Below are general guidelines for completing this form. An attorney did not write these; we cannot accept responsibility for any misuse, misrepresentation, or misstatements. Use this guidance at your own discretion or consult with a legal or professional advisor for further assistance.
If your additional terms and conditions exceed the three lines provided on the Buyer Broker Exclusive Employment Agreement, consider the following:
On Line 78 of the Buyer Broker Agreement, reference the addendum by writing:
“See attached addendum for additional terms and conditions.”
Ensure the addendum is signed and dated by both the buyer and the broker to confirm mutual understanding and agreement.
Below are general terms, clauses, and considerations for use in the agreement. It is always recommended to consult a licensed real estate attorney or professional to ensure your documents are correctly prepared and legally compliant.
(Copy/paste as an attachment to the Buyer Broker Exclusive Employment Agreement)
1. Eligibility Requirements for Refunds or Rebates
a. To qualify for a refund or rebate, the client must engage the services of a licensed real estate agent affiliated with 10KGuarantee.com and successfully close on the property with said agent.
b. The client retains the right to transfer representation to another licensed real estate agent within 10KGuarantee at any time prior to entering into a legally binding purchase contract.
c. Source of Funds:
d. Discrepancies or Disputes:
e. Compliance with Arizona State Law:
This policy is subject to all applicable real estate laws and regulations and may be modified as necessary to maintain legal compliance.
2. Maximum Refund or Rebate:
The refund or rebate will be capped at 50% of the commission paid to the buyer’s agent.
Refunds or rebates are limited solely to services provided by our real estate agents to the buyer.
3. Partial Refunds or Rebates:
Partial refunds or rebates may be requested and will be considered at our sole discretion, based on the specific details of the transaction.
4. Request Submission Process:
5. Scope and Limitations of the Guarantee
This guarantee applies exclusively to the services provided by our real estate agents during the home-buying process.
6. Commission Shortages:
A shortfall in commission payments does not qualify for a refund or rebate under this guarantee. However, negotiations with your agent and broker may address these situations separately.
7. Disbursement of Refund or Rebate:
The refund or rebate will be disbursed from the commission earned by the agent following the successful closing of the property. Where legally permissible and in accordance with lender regulations, the refund or rebate may be applied as a credit toward the buyer’s closing costs.
8. Acknowledgment and Agreement:
By accessing this website and using our real estate services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.
These terms may be updated at any time. Changes will apply only to future transactions and will not affect any agreements already in place.
9. Legal Compliance:
This guarantee is provided in accordance with all relevant real estate laws and regulations in the state of Arizona. For legal advice or questions about these terms, please consult with a qualified real estate attorney.
To ensure buyer satisfaction, the buyer may choose a different agent from this website at any time before entering into a legally binding contract.
Limited Out-of-Pocket Commissions Paid Clause
Specific properties agreement clause. Suppose you want to specify only certain properties.
Before an agent can show properties, buyers must sign a buyer-broker agreement. This agreement outlines the commissions and fees the buyer’s agent will charge. Recent changes in industry practices now require commissions to be negotiated separately rather than offered through MLS services. As a result, buyers and their agents must confirm commission terms with the seller before viewing properties.
If the seller doesn’t cover the buyer agent’s commission, the buyer may be responsible for paying it, depending on the terms of the buyer-broker agreement. Before previewing homes with an agent, ensure you fully understand the agreement you’re signing and the financial obligations involved. Many agents typically charge a 2% to 3% commission on the sales price.
Need to Know
As of August 17, 2024, many real estate professionals nationwide will be asking buyers to enter into a written agreement prior to touring a home. Here’s what you should know:
No. If you are simply visiting an open house on your own or asking a real estate professional about their services, you do not need to sign a written buyer agreement.
No. In this case, since the agent is only there at the direction of the listing broker or seller, the agent is not required to have a written agreement with the buyers touring the home.
After you begin "working with" an agent and at any point before you tour your first house together.
A buyer is "working with" an agent as soon as the agent begins to provide services, such as identifying potential properties and arranging tours. Agents who are simply marketing their services or speaking to a buyer—at an open house or by providing a buyer access to a house they have listed—are not considered to be working with the Buyer.
Under the terms of the settlement, a "tour" is when a buyer who is working with an agent enters a home that is for sale or directs their agent to enter the home on their behalf. This includes when the Buyer's agent provides a live, virtual tour to a buyer not physically present.
Clarity and transparency. Written buyer agreements lay out the services your real estate professional will provide and what they will be paid. Buyers should not sign anything that includes terms they do not agree with or do not understand. You are in the driver's seat with these agreements, which are fully negotiable.
NAR has created a dedicated resource on written buyer agreements here.
Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or consult an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.