Megan Lone - Expert Real Estate Partners

In case you haven’t heard — home buying is forever changed!

Did you know that starting August 17th a realtor can no longer show you a property without a signed written agreement? It can be exclusive or non-exclusive but it MUST be signed. This means they can’t even unlock the door without it.

Doing so as an agent can results in thousands of dollars in fines.💰

A buyer's agency agreement legally binds you to that particular agent for an agreed-upon timeframe, spells out their compensation, and details their duties to you.

There is no such thing as a "free service" for using a buyer's agent. Now, as with sellers, buyers must truly hire their agent.

Sellers always interview agents, and now so will buyers. Not all buyer’s agents will be offering the same values.

Yes, sellers can still pay a buyer's agent commission (and I still totally expect that to still happen most of the time if the offer is realistic) but it’s no longer listed in the MLS. It's not the seller's responsibility to pay the agent representing the buyer any longer which I think benefits the consumer in many ways.

Educate yourselves so you aren’t caught off-guard when an agent explains this to you. A GOOD buyer's agent can offer incredible and valuable services that may lead to finding & winning your dream home and protect you from legal issues that can cost you thousands.

If you have any questions, reach out any time!