Buyer Resource Center › Choosing the Right Representation › 5 Reasons to Sign with a Buyer's Agent
When you start working with a buyer's agent, you'll be asked to sign a written buyer agreement. It's required before touring homes, and it's actually a good thing for you. A clear agreement spells out what you'll get, what it costs, and what you can expect from each other. Here's why it's worth signing.
5 Reasons to Sign
You Become a Client
A signed agreement makes you a client, which means your agent owes you loyalty, confidentiality, and advocacy. You're not just a customer being shown homes, you have someone working for you.
Clear Services and Expectations
The agreement lists what your agent will do, from search and showings to negotiation and closing, and what's expected of you. That clarity prevents misunderstandings later.
Transparent Compensation
The agreement states how much your agent is paid and how. Compensation is negotiable and isn't set by law. In many cases, a seller or builder agrees to cover some or all of it, but you'll know the terms up front.
A Committed Advocate
When both sides commit in writing, your agent can invest fully in your search, from tracking new listings to preparing CMAs and negotiating hard on your behalf.
Flexibility to Fit Your Needs
Agreements can be tailored. You can discuss the length, the geographic area, the type of property, and how to end the agreement if it isn't working.
The bottom line: A buyer agreement isn't about locking you in. It's about clear expectations, honest compensation, and an agent who's fully committed to you. Read it carefully, ask questions, and make sure the terms fit your plans. I'm always happy to walk you through mine line by line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a buyer representation agreement?
It's a written contract between you and a buyer's agent that establishes the relationship, the services you'll receive, the agent's compensation, and the length of the agreement.
Do I have to sign a buyer agreement to tour homes?
Yes. Under current REALTOR® practices, a written agreement is required before an agent tours homes with you, and Washington law also requires a written buyer services agreement.
Is buyer agent compensation negotiable?
Yes. Compensation is not set by law and is negotiable between you and your agent. It's spelled out in the agreement.
Who pays the buyer's agent?
It depends on the agreement and the deal. Sellers or builders often agree to cover some or all of it, but the buyer agreement explains what happens if they don't.
Can a veteran pay buyer agent compensation on a VA loan?
VA rules on this have changed in recent years. Your lender can confirm the current policy, and your agent will structure the agreement and offer accordingly.
Can I cancel a buyer agreement?
Many agreements include terms for ending the relationship. Ask about them before you sign so you understand your options.
Keep Reading
Client or Customer? Agency, Loyalty, and Expectations
How agency works in Oregon and Washington and why being a client matters.
Read more ›What Your Buyer's Agent Does for You
Everything a buyer's agent handles, and how to choose the level of service you want.
Read more ›Your First Meeting with a Buyer's Agent
What to expect, what to bring, and the six topics to cover in your first conversation.
Read more ›
Meet Your Veteran Realtor
Troy Doty, Principal Broker
Troy Doty is a Principal Broker with Northwest Realty Source in Portland, with 25 years in real estate and over 1,000 homes sold across the Portland metro and SW Washington. As a Marine Corps veteran, Troy has a true passion for helping Portland veterans and active duty military families buy and sell homes, whether you're PCSing in, transitioning out, buying your first home, investing in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, or right sizing later in life.
Schedule a Call or Video Meeting ➜ More About Troy ➜ Free Veteran Buyer E-BookPrefer to call or email? 503.997.4169 · troy@nwrealtysource.com
Troy Doty, Principal Broker, Northwest Realty Source. Licensed in Oregon and Washington. ABR®, MRP, and SRES® are credentials of the National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliates. CIAS™ is a designation of U.S. Realty Training. Content adapted in part from ABR® consumer resources. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
