Can I Tour a House Before Signing a Buyer Representation Agreement?

When it’s time to tour a property that can become your future home, you want all your attention on the details that matter most: the pros and cons of the house, how you imagine yourself living there, and whether it’s the right fit.

However, you won’t have the headspace to focus on those details if you aren’t up to date with the new National Association of Realtors (NAR) guidelines regarding house tours and buyer representation agreements. 

Don’t be surprised if you inquire with a buyer’s agent about seeing a property, only to be asked to sign a buyer representation agreement before the tour. Wait—aren’t you just looking? Many buyers find themselves in this spot, wondering why they’d need to sign anything for a simple house tour. 

If you’re in this camp, you’re not alone. Plenty of buyers are curious about the ins and outs of touring properties without signing a contract right away. 

Below, we shed some light on why agents ask for these agreements, how to approach discussions about the agreements, and when it might be in your best interest to sign.

Why do agents ask you to sign a buyer rep agreement?

Apart from it being required to have a signed agreement in many scenarios before touring, a buyer rep agreement is a contract that commits you to work with the agent for a specified period, stating transparently how they’ll be compensated for helping you find a home. A signed agreement provides security for agents, confirming that their efforts in scheduling tours, researching listings, and offering advice won’t go uncompensated.

But this agreement doesn’t just benefit the agent; it also clarifies expectations for both sides. 

When you sign a buyer rep agreement, the agent is legally required to represent your best interests throughout the home-buying process. They’re your advocate, bound to protect your needs in negotiations. While the request for a signed agreement might seem abrupt, it’s just a way for agents to ensure everyone’s on the same page from the start.

The form outlines the scope of the agent’s duties, which can range from finding listings and scheduling tours to offering strategic advice during negotiations. In essence, it makes the agent accountable to you and vice versa. The agreement protects your interests, ensuring the agent won’t represent you and the seller on the same property (unless explicitly agreed upon), thus eliminating any potential conflicts of interest.

Signing this agreement means you have a committed professional guiding you through every step. This is particularly valuable in a competitive market where an experienced agent’s insights and connections can be game-changers. 

Can you tour a house without signing a buyer rep agreement?

Yes, you absolutely can tour homes without signing a buyer rep agreement, but only under certain circumstances. 

Open houses, for example, are designed for casual browsers and serious buyers alike, allowing anyone to explore the property without signing anything or having to decide on a buyer’s agent just yet. Public open houses are excellent for dipping your toes into the real estate market without committing to an agent just yet. This might be your best bet if you’re not ready to sign but still want a peek at a home.

Alternatively, if there’s a specific property you’re keen on, you can try scheduling a tour directly with the listing agent. Many listing agents are open to showing the property without an agreement, though remember that the listing agent represents the seller’s interests, not yours. Touring without representation can put you at a disadvantage if you’re serious about making an offer, as you won’t have someone advocating specifically for you.

However, touring without a signed agreement does come with risks. While open houses can be fun and insightful, not signing with a specific buyer’s agent means you’re technically unrepresented, which could make things tricky later if you’re interested in the property. 

After all, the listing agent works for the seller and may not provide insights or advice protecting your best interests. So, while it’s possible to tour before engaging a buyer’s agent, having an agent on your side can make a world of difference, especially if you’re seriously considering a purchase.

Alternatives to signing an agreement before a tour

If committing to a full buyer representation agreement feels too soon, you have alternatives. 

For example, one-time showing agreements allow you to tour a property without a long-term commitment. This type of agreement is just what it sounds like: a one-time contract between you and the agent authorizing a single showing and understanding an agent’s representation focused on that one property.

It offers flexibility and allows you to tour a property with professional guidance while keeping your options open. However, if you’re hoping to tour multiple homes, this route can get repetitive, as you’ll need to sign a new agreement each time.

Another alternative is to consider shorter-term or non-exclusive agreements. Some agents may be open to working with you on a trial basis, allowing you to test the waters without committing to an extended contract. 

Non-exclusive agreements will also enable you to work with multiple agents if you’re not yet sure who fits you. These options let you explore the market while gradually building a relationship with an agent, making them ideal if you’re just beginning your home search.

How to politely decline signing a buyer rep agreement

If you’re not ready to sign just yet, it’s essential to communicate that politely. 

A respectful approach can go a long way in preserving the relationship with the agent. Simply explain that you’re still in the early stages of your search and would like to visit open houses before committing to a formal agreement. Most agents understand that buyers need time to make an informed decision, and a professional will respect your preferences.

Remember, declining to sign doesn’t have to mean burning bridges. How the agent responds can be pretty telling; if they’re accommodating and understanding, it’s a sign that they’ll likely respect your pace throughout the buying process. 

Keeping the conversation open leaves the door open for future collaboration if you decide to sign at a later date.

When should you consider signing a buyer representation agreement?

There are scenarios where signing a buyer rep agreement is in your best interest. 

First, if you’re ready to make offers, having a dedicated agent to guide you through negotiations is invaluable. In competitive markets, where properties can go under contract in a matter of days, you’ll want someone fully committed to your success. Signing an agreement guarantees that your agent works solely for you, providing personalized advice, market insights, and strategies to give you the upper hand.

Second, if you’ve found an agent you trust and whose expertise aligns with your goals, signing a buyer rep agreement can formalize that relationship, locking in their services and potentially securing an agreed-upon commission rate. This helps prevent surprises at closing and ensures you’re aligned on costs from the beginning. When you’re serious about finding the right property and ready for a full-fledged partnership, signing can be an intelligent step to getting dedicated representation.

Finally, if you work with a brokerage that offers the potential of a commission rebate, it may be in your financial interest to formalize the terms of a rebate in your buyer representation agreement. A commission rebate is a portion of a seller-paid buyer agent commission provided back to the buyer as an incentive for working with that buyer’s agent. In the majority of scenarios where sellers offer to compensate your buyer’s agent or such a commission is able to be negotiated, a contractual rebate to you from your buyer’s agent can make your home purchase more affordable.

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