📌 The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
Following the August 17, 2024 NAR settlement and Florida Realtors rules, every prospective buyer must sign a written representation agreement before touring a home in person or virtually. Real estate commissions are 100% negotiable and never dictated by law. Home sellers may still contribute toward buyer broker compensation or provide closing concessions in purchase contracts. At Momentum Realty, Amanda provides transparent terms and a clear Total Cost of Sale overview before you tour.
Why Is a Written Agreement Required Before Touring?
In the past, buyers often viewed dozens of properties without any formal agreement in place until making an offer. This created ambiguity over who was actually looking out for the buyer's interests.
Under the current Florida practice, real estate professionals must clearly explain representation, duties, and compensation before scheduling a home tour. This ensures:
- You have a dedicated advocate protecting your confidential information and negotiating prices and repairs.
- Complete clarity on broker compensation with zero surprise fees at closing.
- Deep local expertise (acreage verification, flood zones, septic and well checks, military relocation).
Frequently Asked Questions for Buyers
1. Is commission fixed by Florida law?
No. Commission rates are completely negotiable between consumer and broker. There is no set or standard rate governed by statute or Realtor associations.
2. Can the seller still pay my buyer agent fee?
Yes. While cooperative compensation is no longer advertised on the MLS, sellers are completely free to offer concessions or cover buyer broker fees in the purchase agreement using the Florida Realtors CR-6 Addendum.
3. Showing Agreement vs. Exclusive Agreement — Which is right for me?
A Showing Agreement covers specific properties for a short period. An Exclusive Buyer Agreement establishes a full partnership where Amanda manages your entire search across Baker, Duval, Clay, or Nassau counties, reviewing title records, researching comps, and negotiating repairs through closing.
4. What happens if a seller refuses to contribute to buyer broker compensation?
You remain in total control. You can negotiate the purchase price to account for closing costs, request seller credits, or focus on homes with seller concessions. You will always know seller terms before making an offer.
5. Can I cancel if our working relationship isn't a good fit?
Yes. Real estate relationships are built on trust and faith. If our partnership isn't meeting your needs, our agreements provide clean, fair mutual termination terms.
⭐ Momentum Realty Standards: Total Cost of Sale & Clear Terms
Under Momentum Realty brokerage rules, we never use open-ended or ambiguous commission ranges. Every client receives an exact, written fee schedule and a comprehensive Total Cost of Sale walkthrough before viewing properties.