Why Do I Have to Sign Something Before You Show Me A House?
It’s one of the most common questions I hear from buyers:
“Why do I have to sign something before you can show me a house?”
It’s a fair question! Real estate has changed over the years, and there are certain documents that need to be discussed before we start touring homes. But not everything you sign means the same thing. Let’s make it simple.
❤️ Working with Real Estate Agents — WWREA
One of the first documents I am required to provide to a potential buyer is the Working With Real Estate Agents Disclosure, commonly called the WWREA.
Here is the most important thing to know:
The WWREA is NOT an agreement to work with me.
This document explains buyer representation and the different types of agency relationships that can exist in a real estate transaction. I am required to provide it to prospective buyers, and your signature simply acknowledges that you received it.
You are not hiring me as your agent by signing the WWREA, and you are not agreeing to work exclusively with me.
Think of it as an introduction to buyer representation. I want you to understand your options and know who represents whom before we begin making important real estate decisions.
🔑 Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement
The Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement is different. This is the document that establishes our relationship and allows me to represent you as your buyer’s agent.
The agreement says that you will work exclusively with me as your buyer’s agent for a specified period of time and within the geographic areas outlined in the agreement.
And yes, I know the word “exclusive” can sound a little intimidating!
The agreement is established for a specific period of time, but that doesn’t mean you are trapped in a relationship that isn’t working for you. Either party can terminate the agreement by providing written notice, subject to the terms of the agreement.
My goal is for us to work together because it’s a good fit — not because you feel stuck.
💰 Who Pays the Buyer’s Agent?
This is another question buyers understandably have.
In many transactions, my compensation as the buyer’s agent is offered through the listing side of the transaction. When that compensation satisfies the amount, we have agreed upon in our Buyer Agency Agreement, you generally are not paying my fee separately.
On rare occasions, there may be a property where the listing side is not offering buyer-agent compensation, or the amount offered is different from what is stated in our agreement.
If that happens, I will let you know before we move forward with that property. We can discuss the situation and the options available to you so you can decide how you would like to proceed.
No surprises.
🏠 Why Does This Have to Happen Before We Tour Homes?
Because before I step through that front door with you, we both need to understand our relationship.
As your buyer’s agent, I’m not simply unlocking a door. I’m there to represent you.
I can help research properties, look at comparable sales, prepare and negotiate your offer, coordinate inspections and due diligence, communicate with the listing agent, lender and closing attorney, keep track of important dates and deadlines, and help you navigate all those unexpected things that can pop up between:
“I love this house!” and “We got the keys!” 🔑
The paperwork may come first, but the relationship we build along the way is what really matters.
🌊 From My Porch to Yours.....
Buying a home is a big decision, but understanding the paperwork shouldn’t take away from the excitement of finding the right one.
When I hand you a couple of documents before we start looking at houses, don’t worry. I’ll take the time to explain what you’re signing, why you’re signing it, and what it means for you. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions and confident about the process from the very beginning.
Then we can get to the fun part...
Let’s go look at some houses! 🏡🔑
From my porch to yours, I’m here to help you find not just a house, but the place that feels like home.
Written by Sonya Dowdy Green, REALTOR with RE/MAX Coastal Associates, proudly serving buyers and sellers throughout Currituck County, the Outer Banks, and Northeastern North Carolina. Let's Go Start Your Story....
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