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Real Estate Buyers Broker Agreement

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Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement & Agency Disclosure

This Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement & Agency Disclosure is entered into on this day of , 20 by and between

(Name of Broker/Realtor) of

(street address, city, county, state, zip code), the Company,

and (Name of Buyer), of

(street address, city, county, state, zip code), the Buyer.

1. Term of Agreement.

The Buyer hereby retains the Company, including (Name of particular agent with the Company) (the Buyer's Agent) as the authorized agent for the Company, starting on the date listed above, and ending at 5:00 P.M. (e.g., CDT) or the day of the closing of the acquisition of a property, which ever occurs first (the Initial Term), to act as the Exclusive Buyer's Agent in locating and/or negotiating for the acquisition of a property in . (Name of County and State). During the Initial Term of this Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement, and any extensions thereof, the Buyer agrees not to enter into another buyer-broker agreement with another real estate agent or brokerage.

2. Brokerage Fee.

If, during the Initial Term, or any extension of the Initial Term, the Buyer, or any other person acting in the Buyer's behalf, acquires an interest in any real property, the Buyer agrees to pay to the Company a brokerage fee in the amount of $ or 3.0% of the acquisition price of the property. If the property acquired by the Buyer is listed with a brokerage, the selling commission paid to the Company by the listing brokerage shall satisfy the Buyer's obligation for the brokerage fee shown above provided that the brokerage fee is not less than the amount shown above. If the brokerage fee is less than the amount shown above, Buyer will pay the difference at closing. If the property is not listed with a brokerage, in the absence of a commission agreement with the owner of the selected property, the brokerage fee shown above shall be paid by the Buyer. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Buyer and the Company, the brokerage fee shown above shall be due and payable on: (a) if a purchase, the date of recording of the closing documents; (b) if a lease, the effective date of the lease, or (c) if an option, the date the option agreement is signed. If the transaction is prevented by default of Buyer, the compensation shall be immediately payable to the Company.

3. Protection Period

If within 3 months after the termination or expiration of this Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement, Buyer or any person acting on the Buyer's behalf, enters into an Agreement to purchase, exchange for, obtain an option on, or lease any property located for Buyer by Buyer's Agent or the Company, or on which Buyer's Agent negotiates on Buyer's behalf during the Initial Term, Buyer agrees to pay to the Company the brokerage fee referenced in Section 2.

4. Buyer Representations and Disclosures

THE BUYER WARRANTS THAT THE BUYER HAS NOT ENTERED INTO ANY OTHER BUYER-BROKER AGREEMENT WITH ANY OTHER BROKERAGE THAT IS STILL IN FORCE AND EFFECT. The Buyer will:

(a) In all communications with other real estate agents, notify the agents in advance that the Buyer has entered into this Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement with the Company;

(b) Furnish the Buyer's Agent with relevant personal and financial information to facilitate the Buyer's ability to acquire a property;

(c) Exercise care and diligence in evaluating the physical and legal condition of the property selected by the Buyer;

(d) Hold harmless the Company and the Buyer's Agent against any claims as the result of any injuries incurred while inspecting any property;

(e) Upon signing of this Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement, personally review and sign the Buyer Due Diligence Checklist form; and

(f) Disclose to the Buyer's Agent all properties in which the Buyer, as of the date of this Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement, is either negotiating to acquire or has a present interest in acquiring.

5. Agency Relationships

By signing this Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement, the Buyer designates the Buyer's Agent and the Principal/Branch Broker for the Company (the Broker), as agents for the Buyer to locate properties for the Buyer's consideration and review. The Buyer authorizes the Buyer's Agent or the Broker to appoint another agent in the Company to also represent the Buyer in the event the Buyer's Agent or the Broker will be unavailable to service the Buyer. As agents for the Buyer, the Buyer's Agent and the Broker have fiduciary duties to the Buyer that include loyalty, full disclosure, confidentiality, and reasonable care. The Buyer understands, however, that the Buyer's Agent and the Broker may now, or in the future, be agents for a Seller who may have a property that the Buyer may wish to acquire. Then the Buyer's Agent and the Broker would be acting as Limited Agents - representing both the Buyer and seller at the same time. A Limited Agent has fiduciary duties to both the Buyer and the seller. However, those duties are limited because the agent cannot provide to both parties undivided loyalty, full confidentiality and full disclosure of all information known to the agent. For this reason, the Limited Agent is bound by a further duty of neutrality. Being neutral, the Limited Agent may not disclose to either party information likely to weaken the bargaining position of the other - for example, the highest price the Buyer will offer, or the lowest price the seller will accept. THE BUYER IS ADVISED THAT NEITHER THE BUYER NOR THE SELLER IS REQUIRED TO ACCEPT A LIMITED AGENCY SITUATION IN THE COMPANY, AND EACH PARTY IS ENTITLED TO BE REPRESENTED BY ITS OWN AGENT. If Limited Agency is agreed to below;

(a) The Buyer authorizes the Buyer's Agent and the Broker to represent both the Buyer and the Seller as Limited Agents when the Buyer's Agent and the Broker also represent the Seller of the Property the Buyer desires to acquire;

(b) The Buyer further agrees that when another agent in the Company represents the Seller, that agent will exclusively represent the Seller, the Buyer's Agent will exclusively represent the Buyer, and the Broker will act as Limited Broker. IN EITHER EVENT, IF LIMITED AGENCY IS AGREED TO BELOW, THE BUYER AND THE SELLER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A SEPARATE LIMITED AGENCY CONSENT AGREEMENT AT THE TIME THE LIMITED AGENCY SITUATION ARISES.

INITIAL APPLICABLE BOX:

6. Professional Advice

The Company and the Buyer's Agent are trained in the marketing of real estate. Neither the Company nor the Buyer's Agent are trained or licensed to provide the Buyer with professional advice regarding the physical condition of any property or regarding legal or tax matters. BUYER IS ADVISED NOT TO RELY ON THE COMPANY, OR ON ANY AGENTS OF THE COMPANY, FOR A DETERMINATION REGARDING THE PHYSICAL OR LEGAL CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY, including, but not limited to: past or present compliance with zoning and building code requirements; the condition of any appliances; the condition of heating/cooling, plumbing, and electrical fixtures and equipment; sewer problems; moisture or other problems in the roof or foundation; the availability and location of utilities; the location of property lines; and the exact square footage or acreage of the property. AS PART OF ANY WRITTEN OFFER TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY, THE COMPANY STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE BUYER ENGAGE THE SERVICES OF APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONALS TO CONDUCT INSPECTIONS, INVESTIGATIONS, TESTS, SURVEYS, AND OTHER EVALUATIONS OF THE PROPERTY AT THE BUYER'S EXPENSE. IF THE BUYER FAILS TO DO SO, THE BUYER IS ACTING CONTRARY TO THE ADVICE OF THE COMPANY.

7. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute under this Agreement shall be required to be resolved by binding arbitration of the parties hereto. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall select one arbitrator and both arbitrators shall then select a third. The third arbitrator so selected shall arbitrate said dispute. The arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in force and effect.

8. Buyer Authorizations

Buyer authorizes the Company and/or Buyer's Agent to disclose after closing to each Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in which the Company participates (consistent with the requirements of each such MLS), the final terms and sales price of the property acquired by Buyer under the terms of this Agreement. Buyer also authorizes the Company and/or Buyer's Agent to communicate with Buyer for the purpose of soliciting real estate related goods and services during and after the term of this Buyer-Broker Agreement, at the following numbers:

Home

Work

Cell

Fax and/or E-mail

In any transaction for the acquisition of a property, Buyer agrees that the Earnest Money Deposit may be placed in an interest-bearing trust account with interest paid to the . (Name of Organization or person).

9. Equal Housing Opportunity

The Buyer and the Company will comply with Federal, State, and local fair housing laws.

10. Faxes

Facsimile (fax) transmission of a signed copy of this Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement, and retransmission of a signed fax, shall be the same as delivery of an original. If this transaction involves multiple Buyers, this Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement may be executed in counterparts.

11. Entire Agreement

This Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement. This Exclusive Buyer- Broker Agreement shall not be modified or amended except in writing signed by the parties hereto.

WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.

(Name of Broker)
By: (Printed or typed name)
Name and Signature of Buyer
(Name and Office in Corporation)
Enter text

What a Real Estate Buyers Broker Agreement Covers

A Real Estate Buyers Broker Agreement is a written contract between a prospective property buyer and a licensed buyer's broker that sets the broker's duties, the scope of representation, compensation, and the duration of the engagement. The agreement clarifies whether the broker will act exclusively for the buyer, how commission will be earned or shared, confidentiality obligations, property search parameters, and termination conditions. It helps prevent misunderstandings during negotiations and closing, and it documents consent to receive communications electronically if the parties agree to eSigning under applicable law.

Why you should use a Buyers Broker Agreement

Using a Real Estate Buyers Broker Agreement defines expectations, reduces disputes over commission and duties, and documents consent to representation and electronic communications. It provides legal clarity that supports negotiation leverage and creates a record useful for compliance, dispute resolution, and transaction continuity.

Why you should use a Buyers Broker Agreement

Who commonly completes this agreement

Typical users include homebuyers, buyer's brokers, and brokerages seeking a clear working relationship and documented commission terms.

  • Independent buyer's brokers formalizing representation and compensation terms during property searches.
  • Brokerage firms establishing internal policies for buyer-side engagements and commission distribution.
  • Individual buyers wanting written confirmation of agent duties, exclusivity, and termination conditions.

Primary signer roles

Buyer's Broker

As a licensed buyer's broker, you represent the purchaser's interests, perform property searches, negotiate offers, and advise on market conditions. The agreement clarifies commission entitlement, duration of representation, and acceptable dual agency scenarios to reduce conflicts and manage expectations.

Homebuyer

As a buyer, you receive written confirmation of the broker's duties, any exclusive obligations, fee structure, and the process for termination. The agreement preserves your ability to compare offers and establishes how electronic communications and signed documents will be handled.

Core sections to include in a professional agreement

Core sections of a professional Real Estate Buyers Broker Agreement establish scope, compensation, duties, disclosures, term, termination, and provisions for electronic communications and dispute resolution.

Scope of Services

Define property types, geographic limits, search activities, showing coordination, offer preparation, negotiation authority, and whether the broker will provide ancillary services like referrals or inspection coordination.

Compensation

State commission percentage or flat fee, who pays, how shared with listing broker, earned events (offer accepted or closed), and any retainer or reimbursement terms.

Duration

Specify effective date, expiration date, renewal terms, and conditions that trigger early termination, including breach, sale, or mutual agreement.

Duties and Obligations

List fiduciary duties, confidentiality, disclosure obligations, duty to present offers, and expectations for communications frequency and reporting.

Electronic Consent

Document agreement to electronic records and eSignatures, method of delivery, and consent withdrawal procedures to comply with the ESIGN Act and applicable state law.

Dispute Resolution

Set governing law, venue, mediation or arbitration clauses, and attorney fee allocation for disputes arising from the agreement.

Step-by-step: completing the agreement

Follow these steps to complete and execute a Buyers Broker Agreement accurately, including review, signatures, and routing for electronic execution.

  • 01
    Prepare Parties: Enter buyer and broker legal names
  • 02
    Define Scope: Specify property types and search area
  • 03
    Set Compensation: State percentage or flat fee and triggers
  • 04
    Sign & Date: All parties sign; record execution date

Where to send and store the executed agreement

Typical routing: the broker retains a copy, the buyer receives an executed copy, and the agreement is stored in brokerage records and delivered to cooperating brokers as needed.

  • Broker Retention: Keep executed original in brokerage files
  • Buyer Copy: Provide executed copy to buyer promptly
  • MLS Submission: Share listing or buyer agency notice with MLS
  • Third Parties: Send copies to lenders, attorneys, escrow as needed

Setting up an online signing workflow

Configure your online workflow to collect buyer and broker information, attach disclosures, require signatures, and set signer authentication and routing order.

Field Configuration
Authentication Email link or SMS code authentication
Required Fields Full names, property address, and compensation
Attachments Disclosures, MLS sheets, property reports
Routing Order Broker signs before buyer or simultaneous

Technical considerations for eSubmission and integrations

For eSubmission, verify authentication, file formats, and integrations with your brokerage systems.

  • File Formats: PDF, Word DOCX, and HTML supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, NetSuite available
  • Authenticator: Email, SMS, or KBA available

How common eSignature plans compare for buyer-side agreements

Comparison of typical eSignature plan features and pricing commonly used for signing Buyers Broker Agreements and similar real estate documents.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Key dates and timing to record in the agreement

Key dates and expectations govern when the agreement starts, when compensation is earned, and when copies must be delivered to parties and MLS.

Effective Date:

When agreement takes effect, use MM/DD/YYYY

Copy Delivery:

Provide executed copy within 48 hours of signing

Commission Earned:

Define whether earned on contract acceptance or closing

MLS Notice:

Post buyer agency notice per MLS rules

Record Retention:

Retain executed agreement per state retention rules

Milestone timeline from engagement to closing

Sequential milestones show the typical lifecycle from engagement through closing and post-closing recordkeeping for a buyer-side representation agreement.

01

Engagement Signed

Agreement executed, scope and compensation confirmed

02

Property Search

Broker conducts showings, comp studies, and shortlists

03

Offer Submitted

Broker prepares and presents purchase offer documents

04

Closing & Record

Commission distributed and executed agreement stored securely

Common preparation pitfalls to avoid

  • Failing to specify exclusive representation or dual agency creates ambiguity and can lead to conflicting obligations when offers are negotiated.
  • Using vague compensation language such as 'reasonable commission' rather than a defined percentage or flat fee leads to disputes and collection difficulties.
  • Omitting term dates or automatic renewal clauses can extend broker obligations unexpectedly and complicate contract termination.
  • Neglecting to record electronic consent for eSigning violates ESIGN requirements for consumer-facing disclosures and may invalidate electronic records.

Potential legal and financial risks

Commission Disputes: Risk of litigation over fees
Invalid Agreement: Missing signatures may void
Incorrect Names: Tax reporting and withholding risk
I-9/Employment: Retention or audit exposure
Notarization Failure: Deed or conveyance problems
Privacy Breach: HIPAA or data exposure risk

Essential data fields to capture

Buyer Name: Full legal name as on ID
Broker Name: Licensed brokerage and license number
Property Address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Effective Date: Enter as MM/DD/YYYY (e.g., 01/31/2026)
Compensation Terms: Amount, payment timing, and split
Signatures: All parties sign and date

Practical tips for accurate and enforceable agreements

Follow these best practices to reduce risk, ensure enforceability, and streamline electronic execution of a Buyers Broker Agreement.

Define clear compensation triggers and events
Specify exactly when the broker earns compensation (offer acceptance, closing, or other defined event), whether the buyer or seller pays, and how commission will be shared. Explicit triggers prevent disputes and support accurate tax reporting.
Include explicit electronic consent language and withdrawal terms
Insert an ESIGN-compliant disclosure that informs consumers of the right to paper copies, explains how records are delivered, and documents consent to electronic transactions. Retain proof of access and consent to defend enforceability.
Attach state-specific disclosure forms when required
Attach any mandatory state disclosures (property condition, agency relationships) dictated by local law or MLS rules. Failure to include required state disclosures can lead to sanctions, listing removal, or liability for the broker.
Maintain detailed audit trails and secure copies
Store executed agreements, audit logs (timestamps, IP, signer email), and related communications in a secure system. For HIPAA, financial, or regulatory concerns, retain records per legal retention schedules and ensure access controls and encryption.

Real-world examples of how firms use the agreement

These examples show practical uses of the agreement across brokerage operations and individual buyers in everyday transactions.

Martin Properties

A small residential brokerage used a standardized Buyers Broker Agreement to reduce in-person meetings and speed execution across multiple listings.

  • Reduced turnaround time by 60%.
  • By documenting compensation terms and electronic consent, the firm avoided commission disputes, improved client onboarding, and maintained auditable records for each transaction, supporting smoother closings and clearer communication between agents, buyers, and lenders.

Optica Ventures

An investment buyer engaged a broker with a tailored agreement to define search criteria and protect confidentiality during off-market negotiations.

  • Maintained bidder anonymity during negotiation rounds.
  • The agreement specified fee triggers on contract acceptance and spelled out electronic delivery, enabling quick digital signatures, a clear audit trail, and efficient coordination with legal counsel and escrow for expedited closings.

Frequently asked questions about using this agreement

Answers to common questions about completing, signing, and enforcing a Real Estate Buyers Broker Agreement, including eSigning and state considerations.


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