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Buyer's Contract?
If you sign a buyer's contract less then a month ago saw 3 houses bid on one. Out of the blue a good friend call and his parents need to move and are offering a great deal. Are we still tied to the contract? Is it negotiable?
Asked By Blair | Shelton, CT | 127 views | Working With An Agent | Updated 1 month ago
Answers(8)
Nicole Serviss
The Serviss Group with RE/MAX Elite
It depends on the specific terms of the buyer’s contract you signed. Many buyer agreements include a time frame, geographic area, and sometimes a termination clause. Some also only apply to homes introduced by that agent.
Your best next step is to review the agreement and have an open conversation with your agent. In many cases, contracts can be modified or ended by mutual agreement. If the situation involves a personal connection and a unique opportunity, most agents are willing to discuss options and find a fair solution.
Your best next step is to review the agreement and have an open conversation with your agent. In many cases, contracts can be modified or ended by mutual agreement. If the situation involves a personal connection and a unique opportunity, most agents are willing to discuss options and find a fair solution.
- 1 month ago
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Cassidy McWherter
Orlando's Finest
If you signed a buyer representation agreement, you may still be obligated to work with that agent — even if you found a property through a friend.
The answer depends on:
• Whether the agreement is exclusive
• The term length
• Any early termination clauses
• How your state structures buyer agency
Some agreements allow cancellation with written notice. Others may require broker approval.
Before moving forward on another property, I’d recommend reviewing the contract carefully and having an open conversation with your agent. Many situations are negotiable — but it’s better to address it proactively than create conflict later.
If you'd like help understanding what’s typical in your state, I’m happy to talk through it with you.
The answer depends on:
• Whether the agreement is exclusive
• The term length
• Any early termination clauses
• How your state structures buyer agency
Some agreements allow cancellation with written notice. Others may require broker approval.
Before moving forward on another property, I’d recommend reviewing the contract carefully and having an open conversation with your agent. Many situations are negotiable — but it’s better to address it proactively than create conflict later.
If you'd like help understanding what’s typical in your state, I’m happy to talk through it with you.
- 1 week ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
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Meredith Kronenberg
Howard Hanna
It depends on the specific terms of the buyer agreement you signed. Many of these contracts include limits such as a set time frame, defined geographic area, and sometimes a termination clause. Some agreements also only apply to properties that were directly introduced to you by that agent.
The best next step is to review your agreement and have an open, honest conversation with your agent. In many situations, contracts can be amended or ended by mutual agreement. If this involves a personal relationship or a unique opportunity, most agents are open to discussing options and working toward a solution that feels fair to everyone involved.
The best next step is to review your agreement and have an open, honest conversation with your agent. In many situations, contracts can be amended or ended by mutual agreement. If this involves a personal relationship or a unique opportunity, most agents are open to discussing options and working toward a solution that feels fair to everyone involved.
- 1 month ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Freddie Gomberg
Berkshire Hathaway Fox Roach Realtors
It comes down to what your buyer representation agreement says.
A buyer’s contract is a legal agreement between you and the broker (not just the individual agent). Most agreements outline:
• The term length
• Whether it’s exclusive
• How commission is handled
• What happens if you purchase a property not shown by that agent
In many cases, if the agreement is exclusive and still active, you may still owe compensation — even if you purchase a home from a friend or private party.
That said, agreements can sometimes be modified or terminated by mutual consent. The key is communication.
Smart next steps:
1️⃣ Review your agreement carefully
2️⃣ Speak directly with your agent/broker
3️⃣ Ask whether there’s flexibility or a written release option
4️⃣ Do not proceed quietly assuming it “doesn’t apply”
Check your buyer representation agreement. If it’s exclusive and still active, you may still be obligated even if buying from a friend. Talk with the broker and review the contract before moving forward.
A buyer’s contract is a legal agreement between you and the broker (not just the individual agent). Most agreements outline:
• The term length
• Whether it’s exclusive
• How commission is handled
• What happens if you purchase a property not shown by that agent
In many cases, if the agreement is exclusive and still active, you may still owe compensation — even if you purchase a home from a friend or private party.
That said, agreements can sometimes be modified or terminated by mutual consent. The key is communication.
Smart next steps:
1️⃣ Review your agreement carefully
2️⃣ Speak directly with your agent/broker
3️⃣ Ask whether there’s flexibility or a written release option
4️⃣ Do not proceed quietly assuming it “doesn’t apply”
Check your buyer representation agreement. If it’s exclusive and still active, you may still be obligated even if buying from a friend. Talk with the broker and review the contract before moving forward.
- 1 week ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Tenisha Baylor
RE/MAX EK Real Estate
A buyer’s contract is typically still valid, even if you’ve only been working together a short time, and it may apply to any home you purchase during that contract period.
That said, it can often be negotiable. Many agents will work with you if a private opportunity comes up, especially if it’s a unique situation like buying from a friend’s parents.
The best next step is to read the contract for the start/end dates and any wording about “exclusive representation,” then talk with your agent directly. In many cases, you can request a release, a modification, or agree on terms that are fair to everyone.
That said, it can often be negotiable. Many agents will work with you if a private opportunity comes up, especially if it’s a unique situation like buying from a friend’s parents.
The best next step is to read the contract for the start/end dates and any wording about “exclusive representation,” then talk with your agent directly. In many cases, you can request a release, a modification, or agree on terms that are fair to everyone.
- 1 month ago
- Helpful (0)
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Allyson Almeida
Austin 512 Realty
Hi Blair if you signed a buyers contract with terms, you are bound to the terms within the contract regardless of a new home brought to your attention by a friend. The National Association of Realtors enforced Buyer Representation Agreements to protect everyone, including buyers, sellers and realtors. Disclosure of fees and obligations is necessary to perform and by signing everyone acknowledges that. If you buy your friends parents home without your realtor, you are still liable to the realtor for the terms in your buyer rep agreement.
- 1 month ago
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Nichole Ehrbar
ZT Hawai
Whether you are still bound by a buyer’s contract depends on the specific terms of the agreement you signed. While it may still be active if signed less than a month ago, many buyer agreements only apply to properties introduced or shown by the agent and may exclude private, off-market, or family and friend transactions. These contracts are often negotiable, and agents commonly agree to release a buyer or amend the agreement to exclude a specific property when circumstances change unexpectedly. The best next step is to review the contract and have an open conversation with your agent to request a written release or amendment if needed.
For Example:
I wanted to connect with you because an unexpected opportunity came up. A close friend’s parents are offering us a private, off-market sale that we weren’t aware of when we signed the buyer agreement. Since this property wasn’t introduced or shown by you, I wanted to discuss whether we can amend or release the agreement for this specific situation. We truly appreciate the time and effort you’ve already invested, and we’re absolutely open to compensating you for your time and work to date. Our goal is to handle this transparently and in good faith.
For Example:
I wanted to connect with you because an unexpected opportunity came up. A close friend’s parents are offering us a private, off-market sale that we weren’t aware of when we signed the buyer agreement. Since this property wasn’t introduced or shown by you, I wanted to discuss whether we can amend or release the agreement for this specific situation. We truly appreciate the time and effort you’ve already invested, and we’re absolutely open to compensating you for your time and work to date. Our goal is to handle this transparently and in good faith.
- 1 month ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Andrea Duane
Real Broker
Hi Blair, Contractually, you did sign a buyer representation agreement that includes compensation for buyer representation, so it's important to review the duration & terms of that agreement. The next step should be an honest conversation with your Realtor. It’s possible your agent may be open to renegotiating a part of your agreement. In most cases, having buyer representation is still in your best interest, someone to negotiate on your behalf, manage risk & apply the contract knowledge & experience needed to guide the transaction from start to finish.
- 1 month ago
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