Modern Real Estate Blog | Glass House Real Estate

Why We Created a Better Buyer Agency Agreement

Written by Khalil El-Ghoul | Aug 27 2024

After years of dealing with the standard buyer agency agreement from the local Realtor association—drafted by a committee of lawyers who clearly love their legal jargon more than plain English—it became painfully obvious that it was time for a change.

Starting August 14, 2024, Realtors must have a Buyer Agency or Touring Agreement signed before showing homes, as mandated by the National Association of Realtors and the Department of Justice. Realtors who skip this step risk fines and losing their licenses. 

The Buyer Agency Agreements, provided by our local Realtor association, are complex and not easily digestible, but compliance is required. In fact, several consumer watchdogs have issued their own critiques and warnings about how unfair and misleading these contracts can be.

The agreement we’ve put together at Glass House Real Estate is straightforward. It’s designed to be clear, fair, and easy to understand. Here’s what you’ll find [LINK]:

  • Transparent Financial Terms: Our commission structure is laid out in plain language. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying, how much, and when. No hidden fees, no surprises.
  • Easy Termination: If our services aren’t meeting your expectations, you can terminate the agreement without jumping through hoops or paying hefty fees. It’s simple, because it should be.
  • Exclusive Representation: We represent you and only you in the transaction. Our commitment to advocating for your best interests is front and center, without any conflicts or divided loyalties.

Why It’s Better

We created this agreement because, frankly, it’s exhausting trying to defend every little term in those standard contracts. We’re not interested in locking anyone into something they don’t want. The standard forms are full of clauses that make it tough to cancel, stick you with fees even if you don’t buy, and are generally skewed in favor of the agent.

Our agreement turns that approach on its head. It’s transparent, fair, and easy to understand—no unnecessary complexity, no fine print traps. Just a straightforward agreement that respects your needs and your intelligence. And yes, it fully meets the National Association of Realtors' legal requirements too.

At Glass House Real Estate, I believe in doing things differently, and this agreement is a big part of that. It’s about making the home-buying process as simple and stress-free as possible, while ensuring you’re fully informed and protected every step of the way.

Check out the Agreement Here