What to Include (Negotiate) in Your Buyer Broker Agreement
If you’re reading this post because you’re making plans to hire an agent, or you’re switching agents and want more flexibility this time, here are some things to consider.
Before you start touring homes, your agent will ask you to sign a buyer’s agent or initial showing agreement, which is now required under the NAR settlement. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept every term as it is. You have the right to request the terms that make sense to you.
Many agents are flexible, especially with new clients who want to test the waters first. In one HomeLight Survey Among top buyers’ agents across the country, many said they offer short-term deals—such as 24-hour, weekend or per-property contracts—before finalizing longer partnerships.
Here’s a look at the most important parts of a buyer’s agent agreement and what you can negotiate:
| Agreement element | What it means | Which buyers can ask or negotiate |
| Exclusion | Sets whether you will only work with that agent (or their broker) during the term. | Start briefly: Request a non-exclusive or short-term version first. You can agree to exclusivity once you feel comfortable. |
| Duration | The length of the buyer’s agent agreement, often 30-90 days. | Test the waters: Ask for a 24-hour, weekend or 2-week trial for a longer commitment. |
| Termination clause | Explains how to end the relationship early and whether notice or compensation applies. | Stay flexible: Negotiate a penalty-free cancellation option with short notice (24-48 hours). |
| Compensation values | Outlines how your agent is paid, either by you, the seller or through a shared commission. | Ask in advance: Request a clear breakdown and make sure your agent searches Seller paid compensation First. |
You don’t have to lock yourself into a long-term contract before you’re done. In today’s post-jester market, most agents understand that they must first earn a client’s trust and are happy to start with short-term deals or limited showings.
Once you confirm the fit, you can sign a more traditional 30-, 60-, or 90-day buyer’s agent agreement.
Steps to take if switching agents are not an option now
If your agreement is still active or your cancellation options are limited due to fees or other contract terms, here are some steps you can take:
- Be in advance: Tell your agent what isn’t working. Vague frustration doesn’t help anyone.
- Set clear expectations: “Please text me updates twice a week” is clearer than “I need better communication.”
- Request another agent within the same brokerage: Sometimes the chemistry just isn’t there.
- Revisit your strategy: Change your price range or area to gain new momentum.
- Wait it out: If the agreement ends soon, you’re almost free to restart with a new perspective.
For many dissatisfied home buyers, option 3 is a good solution. While the Buyer-Broker Agreement may keep you tied to the broker for the duration of the contract, you may still be able to switch shifts within that same office. If the problem is personality or communication style, this can be an easy fix.
How to properly relinquish your agent
If you’ve reviewed your contract and decided that switching is now feasible and the best move, you’ll want to take a professional, documented approach. Here are some recommended steps to follow:
- Review your agreement: Check the termination clause and any required notice period.
- Communicate directly with your agent: Let them know you’ve decided to go in a different direction. Keep the tone polite and short.
- Confirm in writing: Most brokers require written notice to make the termination official.
- If necessary, inform the broker: Since your arrangement may technically be with a brokerage, make sure the agency is aware of your decision.
- Avoid overlap: Do not tour houses or make offers with a new agent until your termination is confirmed in writing.
It may feel awkward to change agents, but remember that this is your home search and you are in control.
If you are unsure about your agreement terms, you may want to consult with a real estate attorney before sending a notice. See our post for more information: How to Write a Buyer’s Termination Letter.
Finding the right broker for your next move
Once you’ve officially ended your previous agreement, it’s time to find an agent who is a better match for your needs and communication style. But what does “better fit” actually look like? Consider these attributes:
- Local experience: Choose someone who regularly works in your target neighborhoods and understands current price trends.
- Clear, proactive communication: Look for an agent who responds quickly, keeps you informed, and anticipates your questions.
- Transparency under the new rules: Your agent should clearly explain how their compensation works and what you can expect to pay – before you sign anything.
- Compatibility: The right agent will listen to your goals and tailor their approach, whether you focus on timing, negotiating power, or finding hidden gems.
If you’re not sure where to start Homelight’s Free Agent Match Tool Can help you connect with top performing real estate agents in your area. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to match you with agents proven to help buyers like you.
Check out our post to help you with your fresh start: Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Buyer’s Agent.
Conclusion: you can change brokers as a buyer
If your current broker partnership isn’t helping you move forward, take control. Review your agreement, talk things through or, if necessary, make a clean, professional switch. In some cases, you may find a better match within the same broker.
At closing, we offer this insight: HomeLight Partners with almost 30,000 of the nation’s top-rated real estate agents. If you hire an experienced, full-service real estate agent and start to have concerns, an honest conversation and clear communication can resolve any miscommunication or performance issues in most cases.
If you haven’t hired an agent yet and are exploring your options before signing a contract, start using Homelight’s Agent Match Tool To find your best fit. It’s designed to connect you with top-performing agents from day one.
To learn morevisit Homelight’s Homebuyer Resource Centerwhere you can search for answers to any question on your mind.
For more buyer resources, try our free online calculators:
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