If you’re beginning your home search in Arizona, you’ll likely encounter a document called the “Buyer-Broker Agreement to Show Property” early in the process. This single-page form, created by the Arizona Association of REALTORS®, establishes the initial professional relationship between you and your real estate agent. While it might seem like a simple formality, understanding this agreement is essential for setting clear expectations and protecting both your interests and those of your chosen real estate professional.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about the Buyer-Broker Agreement to Show Property, including what it covers, why it matters, and how it differs from more comprehensive buyer representation agreements.
The Buyer-Broker Agreement to Show Property is a simple, one-page contract between a homebuyer and a real estate broker that establishes a limited professional relationship for the purpose of viewing properties. Updated as of February 2025, this document:
Unlike more comprehensive representation agreements, this limited agreement focuses specifically on the broker’s service of showing you properties and potentially representing you in a purchase transaction. It’s often used as a starting point before committing to a more extensive exclusive representation agreement.
You might wonder why a formal agreement is necessary just to look at houses. There are several important reasons:
The agreement recognizes that showing properties is a professional service that requires an agent’s time, expertise, and resources. By signing the agreement, you acknowledge the value of this service.
The document itself states: “All REALTORS® are required to have a signed written agreement prior to showing a home to a buyer.” This requirement stems from:
The agreement specifies whether the broker is representing you as a buyer’s agent, representing the seller, or potentially acting in a dual capacity. This clarity is essential for understanding whose interests the agent is legally obligated to serve.
The agreement establishes how the broker will be compensated if you purchase a property they showed you, helping prevent situations where an agent invests significant time and effort only to be circumvented in the final transaction.
By formalizing the relationship, even in this limited capacity, the agreement helps set clear expectations for both parties about the services provided and obligations created.
To fully understand this agreement, let’s examine each section and what it means for you as a buyer:
The opening section identifies:
What This Means for You: The agreement is technically between you and the brokerage, not just the individual agent. This means that if your agent is unavailable, another agent from the same brokerage can assist you under the same agreement.
This section establishes:
What This Means for You: Unlike more comprehensive agreements that might last months, this showing agreement typically covers a shorter period—often just enough time to view specific properties or to “test drive” working with a particular agent before committing to a longer-term relationship.
This section outlines:
What This Means for You: This helps focus the agent’s efforts on properties that match your needs. The description can be broad (“residential properties in Phoenix under $400,000”) or more specific (“three-bedroom homes in the Arcadia neighborhood with pool”).
This critical section specifies how the agency relationship will be documented, typically referencing the separate “Real Estate Agency Disclosure and Election” form where you’ll formally elect whether the broker will:
What This Means for You: Agency determines whose interests the broker is legally obligated to serve. With buyer’s agency, the broker owes you fiduciary duties of loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, and accounting. Without it, the broker may primarily represent the seller’s interests.
This section addresses how the broker will be compensated if you purchase a property they showed you. It includes:
What This Means for You: This creates a limited obligation to compensate the broker only if you purchase a property they showed you while the agreement is in effect. Unlike exclusive buyer-broker agreements, it doesn’t create an obligation if you purchase a property found through other sources.
The agreement clarifies that you authorize the broker to accept compensation from the seller or seller’s broker, which is how real estate commissions typically work. This seller-paid compensation is credited against your obligation, meaning you typically won’t pay out-of-pocket if the seller offers a market-standard commission.
This section addresses how the broker will approach properties with varying commission structures, stating:
What This Means for You: This ensures you’ll be shown all properties that match your criteria, not just those offering the highest compensation to your broker. However, it also allows you to provide written instructions if you prefer not to view properties with certain compensation structures.
This standard section confirms the broker’s commitment to abide by fair housing laws prohibiting discrimination.
What This Means for You: Your broker won’t steer you toward or away from neighborhoods based on protected characteristics like race, religion, familial status, etc.
The Buyer-Broker Agreement to Show Property is significantly different from a more comprehensive Exclusive Buyer-Broker Employment Agreement. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right agreement for your situation:
| Feature | Agreement to Show Property | Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Limited agreement to show properties | Comprehensive representation throughout the buying process |
| Exclusivity | Non-exclusive (you can work with multiple agents) | Exclusive (commits you to work only with one broker) |
| Duration | Typically shorter term (days to weeks) | Typically longer term (months) |
| Services | Primarily showing properties | Full range of services (property search, market analysis, negotiation, transaction management) |
| Compensation | Due only if you purchase a property shown by the broker | May be due regardless of how you find the property |
| Geographic Scope | May not specify geographic limitations | Typically defines specific geographic areas |
Before signing a Buyer-Broker Agreement to Show Property, consider these practical aspects:
The term is negotiable. Consider:
Be specific enough to focus your agent’s efforts but broad enough to see appropriate options. Consider:
While the standard form provides options for percentage-based or flat-fee compensation, you can negotiate:
Remember that in most markets, seller-paid commissions cover buyer agent compensation, making this section relevant primarily when:
Unlike exclusive agreements, you can sign showing agreements with multiple brokers. However, consider:
“Do I really need to sign this just to see a house?”
Yes, in most cases. Arizona real estate professionals typically require this agreement before showing properties. This protects their time and effort and establishes clear expectations. The agreement itself states that “All REALTORS® are required to have a signed written agreement prior to showing a home to a buyer.”
“Does this commit me to working exclusively with this agent?”
No. Unlike an Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement, the showing agreement doesn’t create exclusivity. You can work with multiple agents or find properties on your own. However, if you purchase a property shown by the broker during the agreement term, you would typically owe the agreed-upon compensation.
“What happens if I find a house on my own that wasn’t shown by the broker?”
If you find and purchase a property completely independently (not shown by the broker), the compensation provision of this agreement typically doesn’t apply. This is a key difference from exclusive agreements, which might create compensation obligations regardless of how you find the property.
“Can I negotiate the terms of this agreement?”
Absolutely. All aspects of the agreement are negotiable, including:
Most brokers are willing to customize the agreement to fit your specific situation.
“What if I’m not ready to commit to a buyer’s agent yet?”
This agreement is ideal for that situation. It creates a limited relationship for the specific purpose of viewing properties without the longer-term commitment of an exclusive buyer representation agreement. It’s a “try before you buy” approach to working with an agent.
To better understand how this agreement works in practice, consider these common scenarios:
Situation: You want to visit a new home community where you know builders typically offer lower commissions to buyer’s agents.
How the Agreement Applies: The agreement requires your agent to show you properties regardless of commission structure unless you instruct otherwise. The agent can accompany you and negotiate compensation with the builder, potentially protecting your interests during the transaction.
Best Approach: Sign the agreement but have a candid conversation with your agent about builder compensation policies and how this might affect your representation.
Situation: You’re interviewing multiple agents before deciding who to work with exclusively.
How the Agreement Applies: You can sign showing agreements with several agents, allowing each to demonstrate their knowledge of different neighborhoods. Once you select an agent, you would sign a more comprehensive exclusive agreement with them.
Best Approach: Be transparent with each agent about your interview process, and consider limiting each showing agreement to specific neighborhoods or property types to avoid overlap.
Situation: You’re interested in a FSBO property that doesn’t offer buyer agent commission.
How the Agreement Applies: Your agent can show you the property, but you’d likely be responsible for their compensation if you purchase it. The agreement establishes this obligation upfront.
Best Approach: Discuss compensation specifically for this situation before viewing the property. Some options include:
After working with an agent under a showing agreement, you might decide to transition to exclusive representation. This typically involves:
Evaluating Compatibility: Assess whether the agent’s communication style, market knowledge, and approach align with your needs.
Discussing Expanded Services: Beyond showing properties, exclusive agents typically provide:
Signing an Exclusive Agreement: This creates a more comprehensive relationship, typically with:
Incorporating Previous Experience: If you’ve had a positive experience under the showing agreement, this can provide confidence in committing to exclusive representation.
The Buyer-Broker Agreement to Show Property fills an important niche in the home buying process. It provides enough structure to establish professional expectations while offering flexibility for buyers who:
By understanding what this agreement covers, how it protects both parties, and how it differs from more comprehensive agreements, you can make informed decisions about your real estate representation at each stage of your home buying journey.
Remember that while the form is standardized, nearly everything in it is negotiable. Don’t hesitate to discuss modifications that would better suit your specific situation. Most agents would rather customize an agreement than lose the opportunity to work with a serious buyer.
Ultimately, the right representation agreement is one that creates clear expectations, provides appropriate protections for both parties, and establishes a professional relationship that helps you achieve your real estate goals.