Buyer's Contract?

The word that decides this, Blair, is procuring cause, and none of the fourteen answers above have used it. It is worth knowing because it is the standard by which a commission dispute actually gets resolved. Procuring cause asks a simple question: whose efforts produced this sale? An agent who showed you three houses, none of which is the house you are now buying, generally has a weak procuring cause claim on a property that came to you unsolicited from a friend. That does not make it automatic, but it is the frame, and it is a much better place to start than "am I stuck." To your actual questions. Yes, you are still bound by the agreement while it runs. A buyer representation agreement is a contract with a term, and it does not evaporate because a better opportunity showed up. But almost everything about it is negotiable, and this specific scenario is one agents deal with regularly and usually handle gracefully. The clean solution is an exclusion amendment. You and your agent sign a short written amendment naming that specific property and stating it is excluded from the agreement. Everything else stays in place. Your agent keeps you as a client for the future, you buy the house from your friend's parents, and nobody has a dispute. Why an agent says yes to that: the alternative is a soured relationship, an argument they would probably lose on procuring cause, and zero chance of your future business or your referrals. Most agents recognize that trade in about ten seconds. Ask plainly, in writing, and ask kindly. You would be surprised how often the answer is just fine. If they say no, your options step down from there. You can ask to terminate the agreement entirely, which many brokerages will grant. You can wait out the term if it is short. Or you can offer them something for their time on the three showings, a flat fee or a reduced commission on the transaction. That last one is often the fastest yes, and it is fair. Two things to check in the document before you have the conversation. The protection period, sometimes called the holdover. Most buyer agreements say that if you buy a property the agent introduced you to, you still owe compensation for some period after the agreement ends. This is why terminating and waiting is not always a fix. But note the word introduced. Your friend's parents' house was not introduced by your agent, which is exactly the point in your favor. Whether the agreement is exclusive and how broadly it defines the properties covered. Some are written to cover any purchase in a geographic area during the term, regardless of who found it. If yours reads that way, get the written exclusion. Do not rely on a verbal understanding. One more thing. Connecticut closings run through attorneys, and you will have one. Even with a great deal from friends of the family, have your attorney review the purchase contract. Deals between people who like each other are exactly the deals where nobody wants to seem distrustful, and that is where problems get built in. I am Zoltan Peresztegi, a real estate professional in Los Angeles and the South Bay, and I am not an attorney. I do not work Connecticut, but I am glad to help you think through the conversation, or connect you with a strong local agent through my network. Ask for the exclusion amendment in writing. That solves it nine times out of ten. Zoltan

It depends on the terms of the buyer representation agreement you signed. Many agreements require your agent to be involved in any home purchase during the contract period, even if you found the property yourself. Talk to your agent as soon as possible—many are willing to work out a solution or amend the agreement if everyone communicates openly.

The answer depends on the specific terms of the buyer representation agreement you signed. Some agreements are exclusive and may entitle the agent to compensation if you purchase a home during the contract period, even if the property was found through another source. Others contain exceptions, cancellation provisions, or allow the parties to mutually terminate the agreement. Before making any assumptions, review the contract carefully and pay particular attention to the sections covering exclusivity, compensation, term length, and cancellation rights. That said, the best first step is usually a conversation with your agent. You've only been working together for a short time, and many agents are willing to be reasonable when unexpected situations arise—especially when a property opportunity comes from a friend or family connection rather than from the agent's efforts. Every agreement is different, so none of us can say for certain whether you're still obligated without reviewing the contract. If the potential purchase is significant, it may also be worth consulting a local real estate attorney for guidance on your rights and obligations under Connecticut law. Open communication now is likely to lead to a better outcome than waiting until you're already under contract on the home.

You’re probably still tied to it, but it’s often workable. A buyer agreement usually means you owe your agent compensation if you buy a home during the term, even if it’s from a friend. Check the contract for two things. Length of the agreement Any exceptions or cancellation terms Most agents will be reasonable if you talk to them. You can ask for a release, or agree to a reduced fee, especially if they didn’t bring you the deal. Simple way to think about it. You’re not stuck, but don’t ignore it. Talk to your agent and work out a clean exit before you move forward.

Depends how your agreement is structured but typically a Buyers Agency Agreement gives blanket coverage for a period of time unless there is an exclusion. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

It depends on what the buyer's contract says. However, most Buyer Representation Agreements state that any home you purchase within a specified time period, you pay the buyer broker compensation agreed to in the agreement.

Yes, you're likely still tied to the contract, but read the terms carefully because the answer is in the specific language of your agreement. Most buyer representation agreements specify that the agent represents you for all home purchases during the contract period. That means if you buy any property during that time, your agent is entitled to their compensation, whether they found the home or not. The fact that this deal came from a personal connection doesn't change your contractual obligation. Some agreements have exceptions for properties you find on your own without the agent's involvement, but this varies. Some are narrower and only cover homes the agent shows you or introduces you to. Read yours carefully and look for any exclusion clauses. If you want to pursue the deal with your friend's parents without your current agent, talk to the agent directly. Explain the situation. Many agents will work with you on it, especially if you've been a good client. They might agree to a reduced commission, handle the paperwork for a flat fee, or release you for that specific transaction if they feel confident you'll come back for future business. What you don't want to do is go behind your agent's back and try to close the deal without them. If they find out, and they usually do because it shows up in public records, you could be liable for their full commission on top of whatever you paid the friend's parents. That's a more expensive problem than just having an honest conversation upfront.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.