Great question and you’re not alone in asking it.
When you meet a REALTOR® for the first time, it can feel surprising to be asked to sign paperwork before even stepping into a home. But this step is meant to protect you, clarify expectations, and make sure your agent is working in your best interest from the very beginning.
When a home is listed by another agent, your REALTOR® is required by professional standards to clearly define their relationship with you before showing the property.
- A state consumer disclosure about agency relationships
- A written buyer agreement with a clear explanation of how your agent’s agency gets paid
These steps help avoid confusion, prevent conflicts of interest, and make sure you have someone legally committed to representing you. If you are seeing properties without a written agreement explaining these three things, then the agent you are with either represents the best interest of the Seller or the best interest of the Seller’s Agency.
In Vermont and New Hampshire, most transactions involve two agents—one representing the Seller’s best interests and one representing the Buyer’s best interests. The written agreement confirms who is on your side. An unrepresented Buyer can transition to a representation agreement with a Buyer’s Agent at any time during the transaction, but a Buyer’s Agent can only view a property with you under a Written Agreement.
Why is it better for me to see properties with one agent or an experienced team?
Think of your Realtor as your home-buying guide. When you work with one agent or a team working together for your best interests:
✔ You get consistent advice
Your agent (or experienced team of agents) learns your goals, budget, timeline, and preferences. That means better recommendations and fewer wasted showings.
If multiple agents show you homes, important information can fall through the cracks. New England home searches, especially vacation home searches, can cover a large area. This is why we list homes and represent Buyers throughout all of Vermont and New Hampshire; in order to understand the various regions of our beautiful states.
✔ You have someone negotiating for you
A Buyer’s Agent helps with pricing strategy, inspections, repairs, timelines, and paperwork. Without a clear agreement, an agent may not be able to advocate fully on your behalf.
Buying a home is emotional and complex. Having one trusted professional makes the process smoother and less stressful.
Why do REALTORS® need this agreement before showing homes listed by another agent?
Because when a property is listed, the Listing Agent already represents the Seller.
Before another REALTOR® shows that property to you, they must clearly explain:
- Who they represent
- What their duties are
- How they are compensated
- What your responsibilities are
Without this clarity, you could accidentally share private financial information with someone who represents the Seller—or misunderstand who is negotiating for you.
The written agreement makes sure that never happens.
Why is a Buyer Agency agreement good for me as a consumer?
A Buyer Agency agreement is your protection. It means your agent owes you Fiduciary Duties:
🛡 Loyalty - They must put your interests first.
🔍 Confidentiality - Your financial details and motivations stay private.
📊 Honest advice - They can tell you if a property is overpriced or risky.
📝 Skilled negotiation - They advocate for price, terms, repairs, and deadlines.
Without an agreement, an agent may only be able to act as a “customer service” provider rather than a true advocate.
What disclosures should I expect?
Before your first showing, you should receive:
✔ State Agency Disclosure – This is a form required by the Real Estate Commission explaining agency relationships under state law. This tells you the difference between:
- Buyer’s agent
- Seller’s agent
- Dual agent (not allowed in VT, ok in NH)
- Non-agency relationship
✔ Compensation Transparency
For every property you see, you should know:
- How your agent gets paid
- Who pays them
- Whether you might owe anything
There should never be surprises.
How are agents usually paid in Vermont and New Hampshire?
In most transactions in our region:
- The seller hires a Listing Agent.
- The Seller of the listing brokerage offers compensation to a buyer’s brokerage from the closing proceeds.
- The Buyer’s agent represents the Buyer’s interests.
Your written agreement explains how this works in advance and confirms your consent.
Why does this help make the home search smoother?
When expectations are clear:
- Showings are easier to schedule.
- Negotiations are more effective.
- You avoid misunderstandings about representation or payment.
- Everyone knows their role.
It keeps the focus where it belongs—finding the right home for you.
Think of it like hiring any professional
- An attorney
- A contractor
- A financial advisor… you sign an agreement explaining services and costs.
Real estate is no different. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. A written agreement protects you.
Our goal
We ask for a Buyer Agreement not because of paperwork—but because we want you to know that we work for you and will:
- Represent you fully
- Give honest advice
- Protect your interests
- Help you succeed
We’re excited to help you find a home, and this is the first step in building a strong, trustworthy partnership.
We sincerely look forward to working with you,
The Experienced Real Estate Brokers at Willow Brook Realty
