Before You Sign a Buyer Agreement… Ask These Questions First

If you're just starting to explore buying a home in California, you may hear this:

“Before I can show you homes, we’ll need to sign a buyer representation agreement.”

That’s normal.

California law now requires buyers to have a written agreement with their agent before touring homes.

But here’s what most first-time buyers don’t realize:

Not all buyer agreements are the same.
And not all agents structure them the same way.

Before you sign anything, there are a few important questions you should ask.

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1️⃣ “Am I Locked In?”

Some buyer agreements tie you to an agent for months — even if you’re unhappy.

If communication slows down…
If expectations aren’t met…
If the fit just isn’t right…

You could feel stuck.

That’s not how this process should feel — especially if you’re buying your first home.

My Approach:

All of my buyer agreements are easy exit.

No long-term commitment.
No pressure.
No obligation to keep working with me.

If at any point you feel we’re not the right fit, you can cancel.

You should work with me because you feel confident and comfortable — not because a contract forces you to.

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2️⃣ “Could I Ever Owe You Money Out of Pocket?”

This is one of the most important questions you can ask.

Because of recent industry changes, compensation is now discussed upfront instead of assumed. That’s actually a good thing — it creates transparency.

But here’s what many buyers don’t realize:

How an agent structures their compensation can impact how competitive your offer looks to a seller.

In today’s market, sellers compare offers based on:

• Price

• Terms

• Contingencies

• And net proceeds

If compensation is structured poorly, it can reduce the seller’s net or complicate negotiations — which could affect your offer’s strength.

That’s something most first-time buyers never think about.

My Approach:

My compensation is contingent upon the seller paying it.

I will never ask a buyer to pay my commission out of pocket.

And I structure my agreements in a way that protects your leverage — not weakens it.

My job is to make your offer as strong as possible, not create obstacles for it.

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3️⃣ “What Happens If I’m Not Happy After I Buy?”

Buying your first home is a big decision.

What if:

• It doesn’t feel right after you move in?

• Life circumstances change?

• You realize it’s not the right long-term fit?

Most agents don’t talk about this.

But they should.

My Promise:

If you’re not happy with a home I help you purchase, I will sell it for free within the first 18 months.

No listing commission from me.

I call it my Love It or Leave It Guarantee.

If I guide you into the wrong home, that’s on me — not you.

That’s how confident I am in helping you make the right decision the first time.

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Why This Conversation Matters

Yes, signing a buyer agreement is required in California before touring homes.

But this requirement actually gives you something valuable:

The opportunity to choose your representation carefully.

You’re not just signing paperwork.

You’re choosing:

• Who negotiates for you

• Who advises you

• Who protects your deposit

• Who structures your offer

• Who stands behind their guidance

And those decisions matter more than most first-time buyers realize.

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What You Deserve as a First-Time Buyer

You deserve:

✔ Clear answers
✔ No financial surprises
✔ Flexible agreements
✔ Strong offer strategy
✔ A professional who stands behind their advice

Not every agreement offers that.

Mine does.

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Final Thought

If you’re just exploring and trying to understand the process, that’s completely normal.

You should absolutely ask questions before signing anything.

And if you’d like someone to walk you through what a buyer agreement actually means — without pressure, without obligation — I’m happy to help.

Because the right agent won’t be afraid of transparency.