--- title: Why am I being asked to Sign a Written Buyer Agreement? description: As of August 17, 2024, homebuyers working with a REALTOR® must sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes. This agreement outlines the services provided and the agent’s compensation, which is fully negotiable. These agreements aim to clarify expectations, making the buyer-agent relationship more transparent. While these agreements are new in some areas, they are now a nationwide requirement. Learn more about the benefits, negotiability, and what to expect when working with a real estate professional under these new guidelines. image: https://www.teresabutler.com/hubfs/Agreement.jpg --- [![530ad0d3-bef1-4269-990b-128a8fb011f71](https://www.teresabutler.com/hs-fs/hubfs/530ad0d3-bef1-4269-990b-128a8fb011f71.png?width=1957&height=501&name=530ad0d3-bef1-4269-990b-128a8fb011f71.png "530ad0d3-bef1-4269-990b-128a8fb011f71")](http://Worthington%20Realty,%20LLC) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. - [Home](https://www.teresabutler.com/en-us/central-ohio-real-estate-news-1) - [Selling](https://www.teresabutler.com/en-us/selling) - [Staging](https://www.teresabutler.com/staging) - [What's my home worth?](https://www.teresabutler.com/epropertywatch) - [Buying](https://www.teresabutler.com/en-us/buying) - [Mortgage](https://www.teresabutler.com/mortgage) - [Building](https://www.teresabutler.com/building) - [Blog](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news) - [Contact](https://www.teresabutler.com/contact) - [About](https://www.teresabutler.com/about) - [About Worthington Realty](https://www.teresabutler.com/en-us/about-worthington-realty) - [Resource Library](https://www.teresabutler.com/welcome-home-resource-library) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # Central Ohio Real Estate News # Why am I being asked to Sign a Written Buyer Agreement? by [Teresa Butler](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/author/teresa-butler) | Sep 17, 2024 *If you’re a homebuyer working with an agent who is a REALTOR®, it means you are working with a professional who is ethically obligated to act in your best interest. As of August 17, 2024, you will be asked to sign a written buyer agreement after you’ve chosen the professional you want to work with. Here’s what you should know about these agreements:*  **What is a “written buyer agreement?” What does it do?** A written buyer agreement is an agreement between you and your real estate professional outlining the services your real estate professional will provide you, and what they will be paid for those services.  **Why am I being asked to sign an agreement?** Written buyer agreements became a nationwide requirement for many real estate professionals as a part of the National Association of REALTORS®’ proposed settlement of litigation related to broker commissions. The requirement went into effect on August 17, 2024.  **Are these agreements new?** In some places, yes. Many states have required them for years, while some have not. As a result, it is entirely possible you or others you know have not used them in the recent past. Regardless, they are now a nationwide requirement for many real estate professionals.  **Are these agreements negotiable?** Yes! You should feel empowered to negotiate any aspect of the agreement with your real estate professional, such as the services you want to receive, the length of the agreement, and the compensation, if any. Compensation between you and your real estate professional is negotiable and not set by law. In the written agreement, the compensation must be clearly defined (e.g., $0, X flat fee, X percent, X hourly rate)—and not open-ended or a range. Only sign an agreement that reflects what you have agreed to with your real estate professional.  **How do I benefit from these agreements?** These agreements clearly lay out what services you (as a homebuyer) expect your real estate professional to provide, and what your real estate professional will be paid. These agreements make things clear and reduce any potential confusion at the outset of your relationship with your real estate professional.  **When do I need to sign an agreement?** You will be asked to enter into a written buyer agreement with your real estate professional before “touring” a home with them, either in-person or virtually. If you are simply visiting an open house on your own or asking a real estate professional about their services, you do not need to sign a written buyer agreement.  **Does this mean I have to pay my real estate professional out of pocket?** Not necessarily. While you are responsible for paying your real estate professional as outlined by your agreement, you can still request, negotiate for, and receive compensation for your real estate professional from the seller or their agent.  **Do agreements dictate a specific type of relationship I need to have with my real estate professional?** No—you are allowed to enter into any type of business relationship with your real estate professional allowed by state law where you are purchasing a home.  **Can I change or exit an agreement?** Yes. You and your real estate professional can mutually agree to change your agreement. Agreements may have specific conditions under which they can be exited, so read the text of the agreement and speak with your real estate professional if you would like to change or exit your agreement. - - - - Topics:   [Home Buying](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/tag/home-buying) ,   [NAR Settlement](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/tag/nar-settlement) [\< Previous Post](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/what-the-nar-settlement-means-for-home-buyers-and-sellers) [Next Post \>](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/home-sellers-heres-what-the-nar-settlement-means-for-you) Recent posts [Central Ohio Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-1777655995120) [Central Ohio Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-1776460508490) [Central Ohio Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-1775838210957) [Central Ohio Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-1774636634287) [Weekly Market Brief: What’s Happening in Real Estate Right Now](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/weekly-market-brief-whats-happening-in-real-estate-right-now) [Central Ohio Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-1773418467075) [Central Ohio Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-1772834730451) [Central Ohio Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-1772220330476) [Central Ohio Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-market-brief-4) [Central Ohio Real Estate Market Brief](https://www.teresabutler.com/central-ohio-real-estate-news/central-ohio-real-estate-market-brief) ![Email Header-4](https://www.teresabutler.com/hubfs/Email%20Header-4.jpg "Email Header-4") ### Mission Statement My mission is to help you improve your life, grow your wealth, and create a home and a lifestyle through owning real estate. 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I am committed to helping you reach your real estate goals by leveraging my expertise, market knowledge, and innovative approach to buying and selling real estate. ### Central Ohio Areas Served: Gahanna New Albany Johnstown Pataskala Westerville Worthington Lewis Center Powell Dublin FOLLOW ME [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com) [Follow us on X](https://www.twitter.com) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com) *Worthington Realty or Teresa Butler, Agent, does not guarantee or is any way responsible for its accuracy, and provides said information without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.* *Teresa Butler, Worthington Realty, PO Box 111, Worthington, OH 43085* *Send mail to Teresa@TeresaButler.com with questions or comments about this website.* [*Please view our Privacy Policy here*](https://www.teresabutler.com/privacy-policy?hs_preview=UcKyeAJj-100361088946) *Copyright ©2026 Teresa Butler, Realtor License #302737.* *All photos on this website Copyright ©Teresa Butler 2026. 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