It puts me on your side, in writing
My job is to look out for you — honest advice, and no pressure to act.
Before We Tour, Let's Get Aligned
If we're going to look at homes together, we'll put a written agreement in place first. It spells out what I'm doing for you, how I'm paid, and how long we're working together. No mystery paperwork, and no awkward fee conversation at the end.
01
Why this exists
Because I participate in the MLS and represent buyers in California, we put the agreement in place before we tour together. In California that's the C.A.R. Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement — the BRBC.
Visiting an open house on your own? You don't need one.
02
What it does for you
Clear on cost, up front
How I'm paid is spelled out and agreed before we tour, not discovered later.
You're not stuck with me
I write these for 90 days, and California law caps them at three months from signing. Either way you'll get the exact end date in writing, and it can't auto-renew. If it isn't working, there's a clear release process.
One thing to know up front: a short continuation period can apply after the agreement ends, and I'll explain exactly how that works.
03
Will this cost me out of pocket?
The fee we agree on is written into the agreement before we tour, so you'll know the number up front.
When we write an offer, we can ask the seller or the listing side to contribute toward that fee. That's a negotiation, not a guarantee.
If there's ever a gap between what they contribute and what we agreed, I'll show you the numbers before you decide how to proceed. You won't find out at closing.
04
What signing lets me do for you
Compass Private Exclusives
Homes marketed quietly before they hit the public market. The ones you won't find on Zillow.
A fiduciary obligation to you
Pulling disclosures and acting as your fiduciary, which means putting your interests first.
Off-market network
Introductions through Compass's Bay Area agent-to-agent network.
05
Smart questions to ask before you sign
Before you sign
Do I have to sign before we tour?
Yes, for any home we tour together, in person or live-virtual. Open houses you visit on your own don't count.
How long am I committed?
I write mine for 90 days — that's the term built into the C.A.R. form. California law caps buyer representation agreements at three months from signing, and they can't auto-renew. I can set it shorter, and I'll always give you the exact end date. Different rules can apply if you're buying through a corporation, LLC or partnership.
Is it exclusive, or can I use other agents?
Usually yes. It's exclusive for the homes and area it covers, so ask exactly what's covered.
Can I cancel if it's not working?
Ask about the brokerage's release process up front. Most will release a client who wants out — get it in writing.
About the money
Will I pay out of pocket?
Often not. A seller or listing-side contribution toward the fee can frequently be negotiated, but it's negotiated per transaction and never guaranteed. I'll flag the numbers before you tour and again before we write an offer.
Is the commission a set number?
No. It's fully negotiable and written as a specific figure, not "whatever the seller offers."
What if the seller won't pay it?
It may fall to you, or I negotiate a seller credit into your offer. I walk through it before you tour.
Could I owe anything at closing?
Only if the seller-side contribution is less than your agreed fee. I confirm that scenario with you in advance.
Is there a continuation period after it ends?
Yes. A defined window where, if you buy a home I introduced you to, the terms still apply. Ask the exact length.
The fine print
Can I still browse Zillow or hit open houses on my own?
Yes, though registering at an open house can trigger the terms, so just loop me in.
What if I already found a home myself?
Tell me before you sign so I can carve out that address in writing.
What if I buy with a different agent while under contract?
That can expose you to owing two commissions. Clarify what counts as a breach.
Does it affect my choice of lender?
No. You can use any lender; partner options are optional recommendations.
What if the home is listed by my agent's own brokerage?
That can create dual agency. Ask how your interests stay protected, and consent in writing.
Ready to look at homes?
Send me what you're looking for and I'll put the agreement together for your review.
Send me your detailsSending this does not sign anything. It gives me what I need to prepare the agreement for you to read.Educational only — not legal advice. Rules and forms are current as of 2026 and can change; terms vary by the official C.A.R. Buyer Representation & Broker Compensation Agreement (BRBC) you sign. Read the full agreement and ask your agent or an attorney about anything unclear.