Due to the 2024 NAR settlement, all REALTORS® are required to have a signed Buyer Agreement before showing any homes to a buyer. I don’t make the rules—that’s well above my pay grade—but I am responsible for following them while still helping my clients navigate a process that seems to change often.
Showing homes without a signed buyer agreement is a violation of current real estate rules, and agents who do so can face fines, disciplinary action, or worse. The agreement exists for a reason: it clearly defines representation, duties, and compensation, which reduces confusion and helps prevent disputes later in the transaction. From time to time, I hear buyers say, “But the last person didn’t make us sign anything.” That response raises an important question—if an agent is willing to ignore clear rules and risk their livelihood just to get you in a house, can you trust them to protect your interests when it really matters? A professional agent follows the rules, explains them clearly, and puts client protection ahead of shortcuts.
From an agent’s perspective, this matters too. If a buyer has a valid agreement with another agent, they shouldn’t be contacting me—and one of the first questions I ask is whether they already have an agreement with another agent–if so I send them packing before they fall under the spell of my southern charm.
Back to the agents showing houses without an agreement: Clear agreements protect everyone involved. It brings to mind the saying, “How you do anything is how you do everything.”
Here’s how I like to handle the agreement in practice. It’s really not a big deal—but the recent changes are new and can feel a little uncomfortable at first. To make things easier, I’ll show homes for the first couple of outings using an agreement that applies only to the specific homes we’re seeing on those days. This keeps everything compliant, avoids some pressure of signing a contract with a stranger, and you’re not locked into working with me for a year if you decide you don’t like my haircut. It’s simply a practical, low-stress way to follow the rules while keeping the process comfortable for everyone involved—including me. The best part is if you love the home we see those days–we're good to go as long as you are pre-approved or have cash.
This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional real estate advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.