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Rainmaker
1,543,623
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I have only had one client in the last 5 years refuse and I didn't work with him. That document was introduced to CA Real Estate about the time I got started and so I never knew RE sales without it, I've used it since 1999. But, I'm an entrepreneur, coming out both owning a house painting business and a wedding entertainment business in my youth, so contracts or "agreements" were normal & expected.

But, I run my RE business, like a business; many treat it like a job. I'm always amused by agents that say they don't use the Buyer Rep. Agreement. They talk about trust & relationships with their buyers as if this document is offensive. Yet, they make every seller sign a Listing Agreement. Thing that make you go Hmmmmm? 

Apr 30, 2015 11:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

No. 

Apr 30, 2015 10:34 PM
Rainmaker
115,432
Jeanne Feenick
NextHome Premier - Basking Ridge, NJ
The Agent you choose REALLY does make a difference

I felt a little ashamed as I read the responses here - as I rarely succeed in getting this signed in my market.  I introduce it at first meeting to explain the basis of the working relationship I want to enter into with them but I do not require signing of the agreement at that time.  The discussion usually smokes out those that are gaming me, but not always.  I have to say, at times I am with Cindy - the ability to "fire" works both ways, and sometimes I too want to walk away.

May 01, 2015 02:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

We have in the past and regretted it. BBA are very difficult to get a prospect to agree to since there are so many agents competing who will work without one. 

Apr 30, 2015 11:31 PM
Rainmaker
316,098
Robert Smith
Preview Properties, PC - http://www.RealEstateMich.com - Brighton, MI
SRES, Search for Homes Brighton-Howell-SE Michigan

If it's a referral from a trusted source, I may show them one or two homes without it. No more until they sign the agreement.

Apr 30, 2015 10:53 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Richard Weeks Not anymore! A BBA is a commitment on the buyer's part to work with only one agent. I once asked a prospective buyer to sign a BBA. He hesitated because he didn't know what to tell the other ten agents he was working with to find a property. Next!

Apr 30, 2015 10:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Short answer no I would not.

Apr 30, 2015 09:57 PM
Rainmaker
582,106
Eric Kodner
Madeline Island Realty - La Pointe, WI
CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -

There are more than enough buyers who will sign a buyer representation agreement. 

Folks who won't sign a representation agreement are like the ones who won't fill out a real estate condition report/disclosure form, or won't sign a paper that acknowledges they've received an agency disclosure form.  If a consumer won't sign a document that protects them, what makes an agent think they'll ever sign an offer?

May 01, 2015 03:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I do not ask for that agreement. It is too intimitating 7 pages long. The only time I asked for one, the person signed the doc and did not buy from me.

If it is business I request a NDA. 95% agents do not ask for one. Agents just have to be the judge see if it is worth their time. With Redfin wanting to give away agents commission but not their earning each time, many buyers have no problem haggling others for more. This is Northern California.

 

May 01, 2015 02:01 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Yes, but eventually they would have to sign one if we were going to submit offers.

May 01, 2015 01:21 AM
Rainer
20,279
Takia C. Walker
United Real Estate Columbia - Columbia, SC
Real Estate

No, I wouldn't! I like to work with clients and not customers even though clients can also terminate the agreement in writing.

May 01, 2015 12:49 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

I have never required that for my business. I like having the flexibility to walk away myself if the relationship with the buyer is not working well.

May 01, 2015 12:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

In Virginia, we are required to have *something* signed proving the conversation about agency took place.  They can opt to be unrepresented, but they need to acknowledge the discussion took place. 

I have no problem working with a client who wants to go out a time or two to see how we fit, although they are going to sign a buyer representation agreement for the houses we see, if not for the long term.

From the consumer point of view, I absolutely am not going to sign a buyer rep agreement with anyone until I have had enough time to determine if I want to work with them.  All agents are not created equally and I don't want to be suck in a bad relationship.

It is akin to marrying someone you met in a bar last night...never a good idea.

Apr 30, 2015 10:05 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Yes I would, but only at my convenience.

Now, I would need to hear their concern, and judge their commitment and/or loyalty. If they fail in this regard, they are offered the pay as you go option known as my BUYER ELITE PLAN. 

This actually work nicely and provides them some real benefits and does not leave me with nothing but pocket lint and time wasted.

Apr 30, 2015 10:03 PM
Rainmaker
630,251
Ajay Pandya
e-Merge Real Estate Unlimited - Columbus, OH
Realtor Ajay Pandya

Yes. It's okay. They always work with me.

Aug 01, 2018 09:33 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Absolutely NOT!

Oct 25, 2017 04:29 AM
Rainer
112,947
Vera Gonzalez
RE/MAX Suburban, Inc. - Sterling Heights, MI
Gonzo For Real Estate

Here in Michigan if you do not have on , you technically work for the seller. 

May 04, 2015 04:17 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

We have a consumer notice that I request them to sign. It is not  a contract. Noone has refused to sign it. After showing a few homes I bring up the buyer agency contract. 

May 01, 2015 06:38 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Richard - I typically work off referrals and people I know, so with them I only explain that they will have to sign a buyer broker agreement at some point. I do not press them, and know they are working only with me.

For people I do not know, I will also mention to them at the first meeting about the buyer broker agreement. I will also talk with them about whether they are pre-approved for a loan as well. At that point, I can tell how serious they are, and ask them to sign. I have not had anyone refuse to sign, but if they did, I don't think I would work with them. After all, if I work with them and find them a home they want to make an offer on, they will have to sign the buyer broker agreement at that point anyway. 

May 01, 2015 06:21 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Unfortunately in my part of Florida, very few agents and clients work under a buyers broker agreement.

May 01, 2015 06:12 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Maybe. On Kauai we are often working with potential buyers, visitors who have been dreaming about an island home and want to see if they can make the dream a reality. It is rare for agents here to get a buyer's rep agreement signed but I do it with local buyers.

May 01, 2015 04:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

I have and more than likely will continue, it can be so subjective Richard Weeks

May 01, 2015 03:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Yes; but I will get copies of drivers licences and other pertinent information and continue as though I had one for future referrals.

May 01, 2015 12:41 AM