Questions / Buying · Leer en español
Do I have to sign a buyer agreement to see a house?
Yes. Since August 17, 2024, you sign a written buyer representation agreement, a contract with a realtor who represents you, before touring a home in person or by live video. Walking into an open house on your own does not require one.
Updated
What the agreement must say
| Requirement | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| A specific amount | The agreement names a set fee or percentage, never an open range. |
| A ceiling | Your agent cannot be paid more than that amount, from you or from the seller. |
| Negotiable terms | The fee and the length of the agreement are negotiable. Compensation is not set by law. |
When you need one
You need a signed agreement before an agent tours a home with you, in person or on a live video call. Visiting an open house alone does not require one. A federal appeals court upheld these rules on August 19, 2026.
Questions to ask before you sign
- How long does the agreement last, and how can either of us end it?
- What is your fee, and what happens if the seller covers part of it?
- Does it cover one home, one area or my whole search?
How it works on Chimpre
On Chimpre, buyers are represented by licensed agents under signed agreements, so every introduction comes with clear terms from the start.
See who is looking for a home like yours
Chimpre introduces your home to agents whose active buyers are searching for a home like yours, in your area, at your price, with the space they need. Your agent shows you who is interested before anything goes public.
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