If you want an agent to show you homes in Florida, expect to sign a written buyer agreement before your first tour. This change came out of the national Realtor settlement that took effect on August 17, 2024. It surprised a lot of buyers at first, but once you understand what the agreement is and what you can negotiate, it actually gives you more clarity than the old way of doing things.
Why the Agreement Exists
Under the settlement rules, an agent who belongs to an MLS and is working with a buyer must have a written agreement in place before touring a home with that buyer. That covers walking through a home together and live video walkthroughs too. The goal is simple: before you start working together, you should know exactly what your agent will do and how they will be paid.
What the Agreement Spells Out
Every agreement has to state the agent’s compensation in clear, specific terms. That can be a flat fee, a percentage, or another defined amount, but it has to be a real, defined number you can see before you sign. The agreement also says what services you can expect and how long the relationship lasts.
In Florida, the two forms you are most likely to see from Florida Realtors are:
- A pre touring agreement. A shorter form that covers touring property and includes the basic compensation disclosures.
- An exclusive buyer brokerage agreement. A fuller agreement for buyers who want an agent representing them through the whole search, negotiation, and closing.
What You Can Negotiate
Compensation is negotiable, and so are the terms. You can talk about the amount, the length of the agreement, and whether it covers a specific property, a specific area, or your whole search. Read it the same way you would read any contract, ask questions, and do not sign anything you do not understand.
Who Actually Pays the Agent?
Buyer agent compensation is no longer advertised on the MLS, but that does not mean the buyer always pays it out of pocket. Sellers can still agree to contribute toward the buyer’s agent fee as part of the contract, and in many transactions they do. Your agent should explain the options before you write an offer so you know what to ask for and how it affects your cash to close.
Why It Works in Your Favor
A written agreement makes expectations clear on both sides. You know what you are getting, your agent knows what you need, and there are no surprises at the closing table about who is paid what. It also gives you a real conversation about the value your agent brings before you commit, which is exactly how it should be.
Ready to start your search in South Florida? Schedule a buyer consultation and we will walk through the agreement line by line before you tour a single home.