You Don’t Have to Sign a Buyer’s Agreement Just to See a Home – Here’s the Truth
If you’re searching for a home in Georgia, you may have heard that you need to sign a contract with a real estate agent before even stepping inside a property. This misconception has been circulating lately, and it’s often linked to recent headlines surrounding the Burnett v. NAR lawsuit. As a result, there’s confusion about whether new National Association of Realtors (NAR) guidelines have created a legal requirement to sign a buyer’s agreement before viewing homes.
Let me be clear: you do not have to sign a buyer’s agreement just to see a home.
The recent NAR guideline changes are just that—guidelines. They apply to NAR members and are intended to encourage transparency in real estate representation. However, these are not state or federal laws. Georgia does not require a buyer’s agreement for you to simply tour properties. NAR is a trade association, and its guidelines direct its members’ practices but do not override your right to choose how you interact with real estate agents.
Here’s why this matters. Signing a buyer’s agreement too early binds you to pay the agent’s commission—typically about 3%—if you purchase a home within a specified timeframe, often around six months. Imagine having to decide to commit to a working relationship without ever experiencing the service or interaction. It’s like signing a marriage license on your first date! In Georgia, you have the right to get to know an agent, experience their service, and make sure they’re the right fit before making that commitment.
At Callison Realty, we believe in building relationships that are based on trust, not contracts. We think it’s essential for you to feel comfortable and confident in your choice of representation. That’s why we don’t push you into signing a buyer’s agreement before you’re ready. Instead, we’ll work together, tour homes, and get to know each other first. Only when you’re confident and comfortable moving forward with us do we discuss formalizing our relationship with a buyer’s agreement.
If another agent insists you sign a buyer’s agreement immediately, remember that this isn’t a legal requirement. You have the right to explore and decide what kind of representation fits your needs, and there’s no rule or law that forces you to commit to an agent just to see a property.
When you’re ready to start your home search without unnecessary pressure, give us a call or contact us at Callison Realty. We’ll respect your choices and ensure you feel fully supported every step of the way.