Why Is My Agent Asking Me to Sign an Agreement Before Touring Homes?

By Andrea Farris, RE/MAX Frontier — Midlothian, TX

If you've started house hunting recently, you may have noticed something new: before your agent takes you through your first showing, they're asking you to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement. If that caught you off guard, you're not alone. I've had this exact conversation with more buyers over the past year than almost any other topic — from first-time buyers nervous about the paperwork, to relocation clients moving here from states where this wasn't the norm. So let's talk through it, plainly and honestly.

It's Not About Trust — It's How the Industry Works Now

For most of my nearly 30 years in real estate, buyers could tour homes with an agent on a fairly informal basis, and the agreement to work together often didn't get formalized until closer to an offer. That changed industry-wide following the 2024 National Association of REALTORS® settlement, which now requires agents to have a written representation agreement in place with buyers before touring homes. This isn't a Texas-only rule, and it isn't something I or RE/MAX Frontier came up with — it's now a required practice across the industry.

What the Agreement Actually Does

At its core, a Buyer Representation Agreement simply puts in writing what should already be true of a good agent relationship:

• Who I work for. It confirms that I represent you, the buyer, with a legal duty to look out for your interests throughout the transaction.
• What I'll do for you. It outlines the services I provide — searching for homes, scheduling and accompanying you on showings, advising on offers and negotiations, coordinating inspections, and guiding you all the way to closing.
• How I'm compensated. It spells out my commission and how it will be paid, so there are no surprises later. In many cases, this is still paid by the seller as part of the transaction, but the agreement makes that clear from the start rather than leaving it undefined.
• The scope and timeframe. It defines which properties and areas we're working in together, and for how long the agreement is in effect.

Why I See This as a Good Thing

Honestly? I welcome it. When a buyer and I both know, in writing, what to expect from each other, it sets the relationship up for success. It means:

• You know exactly what services you're entitled to.
• You know exactly what I'm being paid and by whom — full transparency, no guessing.
• I can commit fully to representing your interests, not just showing up to unlock doors.

For my luxury and new construction buyers especially, this clarity matters — these transactions often involve builder incentives, custom negotiations, and multiple moving pieces, and having a clear written understanding from day one keeps everything running smoothly. And for my relocation clients moving to Ellis County from out of state, it actually tends to feel familiar, since many other states have used similar agreements for years.

Is It a Long-Term Commitment?

Not necessarily, and this is one of the biggest misconceptions I run into. These agreements are negotiable — the length, the scope, and the terms are all things we can discuss together. If we tour a few homes and it's not the right fit for either of us, that's a conversation, not a trap. My goal is always to earn your trust and your business through the work I do, not through fine print.

The Bottom Line

If your agent asks you to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement before your first showing, it's not a red flag — it's simply how real estate works today, and it's a sign that your agent is following the rules that protect you. Don't hesitate to read it closely and ask questions. A good agent — the kind you want in your corner for one of the biggest purchases of your life — will be glad to walk through every line with you.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Midlothian, Waxahachie, or anywhere in the Ellis County area — whether it's your first home, a luxury property, new construction, or a corporate relocation — I'd love to sit down, answer your questions, and get you started the right way.

Andrea Farris REALTOR® | RE/MAX Frontier Midlothian, TX Texas Real Estate License #450590-SA