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Signed a buyers agreement, am I stuck with that agent?
I signed a buyers agreement because I wanted to see a house. Can I only work with that agent to buy a house now? Can I see houses without an agent?
Asked By Bette M | Ellicott City, MD | 174 views | Buying | Updated 4 months ago
Answers (3)
Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
Not always. Most agreements have a set time period or a cancellation clause. If you’re unhappy, talk with the agent first — many will release you voluntarily. You can also contact their broker if you feel the service hasn’t met your expectations.
- 4 months ago
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Jason Craig
Coldwell Banker
Buyer representation agreements vary. Many are "exclusive" for a defined term and require you to work only with that agent or their brokerage; others are non‑exclusive and simply obligate you to pay a commission to whichever agent helps you buy. The first thing to do is read the agreement you signed to see whether it’s exclusive, how long it lasts and whether there is a cancellation clause or early‑termination fee. These contracts typically run for about 90 days, so you might be free to work with someone else once the term expires. If you’re unhappy after just one showing, communicate with your agent and their broker – many will release you from the agreement or pair you with another agent in their office rather than force you to stay. Until you have a written release or the agreement ends, avoid touring homes with other agents or making offers on your own because the original agent could still be entitled to a commission for a purchase they facilitated.
- 4 months ago
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Chris Nevada
Nevada Real Estate Group - LPT Realty
A signed buyer’s agreement is a real contract, so while it’s in effect you’re generally expected to work only with that agent for any purchase it covers.
You’re usually not “trapped” forever, though—you can ask the agent/their broker in writing to release you from the agreement, and many will agree or shorten the term if it’s not a good fit.
You can physically see houses without an agent (open houses or calling the listing agent), but if your agreement is still active, that first agent may still be entitled to a commission if you buy something during the contract period, even if another agent or no agent shows it to you.
You’re usually not “trapped” forever, though—you can ask the agent/their broker in writing to release you from the agreement, and many will agree or shorten the term if it’s not a good fit.
You can physically see houses without an agent (open houses or calling the listing agent), but if your agreement is still active, that first agent may still be entitled to a commission if you buy something during the contract period, even if another agent or no agent shows it to you.
- 1 week ago
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