01
Must I sign before touring a Texas home?
For covered residential brokerage activity, you need the applicable written agreement before a license holder shows you a home. When there will be no showing, the agreement is required before the license holder presents your offer.
- Ask whether the agreement creates representation or only allows a showing. The services differ.
- You receive the IABS at the first substantive communication about specific real property. Read it alongside your agreement to understand the brokerage relationships.
- An open house hosted by the listing brokerage follows the separate seller-representation rule described by TREC. Ask the host whom they represent.
02
How is my agent paid?
Your buyer agreement states the broker's compensation and how it is calculated. Another party may agree to contribute toward it. Your agreement still determines your obligation. Broker compensation is negotiable and is not set by law.
- Compare the services with the compensation before you sign. Ask which work the agreement covers.
- A listing broker or builder may offer a contribution. You can also request one from the person selling the home.
- Record the accepted contribution in the transaction documents. Confirm what remains for you to pay after that credit.
03
How does a contribution change what I owe?
Suppose your agreement states $10,000 of compensation for a $500,000 purchase. If another party agrees to pay $6,000 toward that obligation, your remaining amount would be $4,000 under those terms. Use your actual agreement to do the same calculation.
- These hypothetical amounts illustrate negotiated terms. They are not Mayshore's fee schedule or a standard market rate.
- Confirm who will pay the contribution and get the commitment in writing. Check how it will be credited at closing.
- Before signing your purchase contract, ask what happens if the contribution falls short. Review any lender limit or condition on the payment.
04
What can I negotiate in my buyer agreement?
Discuss the services you want and the area you plan to search. Agree on the term and whether the relationship is exclusive. Review compensation and the process for ending the agreement. TREC requires the amount or rate to be stated and compensation to be disclosed as negotiable.
- Choose a property scope that fits your search. Confirm which work is included within that scope.
- Ask how the fee is calculated and how contributions are credited. Work through a dollar example if a term is unclear.
- Sign after you understand the relationship and cost. Ask your broker to explain any continuing obligation when the agreement ends.
05
What does showing-only nonrepresentation allow?
A permitted written nonrepresentation agreement lets a license holder show you a home without representing you. It excludes opinions and transaction advice. It also excludes other buyer brokerage services.
- The agreement must be nonexclusive. It is a limited showing relationship.
- The stated termination date must be no more than 14 days from signing. Read the actual date on the agreement.
- The license holder may provide limited information such as size, price and terms. The law and the relationship determine what else they may discuss.
06
What happens if one broker represents both sides?
Texas uses an intermediary arrangement when one broker represents both sides of the same transaction. You and the other party must receive the required information and give written consent. Ask whether agents will be appointed to work with each party.
- Read the intermediary consent before agreeing. This is a defined brokerage relationship with limits on advice.
- Have the broker explain the roles of any appointed agents. Confirm whom you can ask for help with your negotiating decisions.
- Clarify those roles before sharing confidential negotiating information. Your written agreement and consent govern the relationship.