Florida Real Estate Agreements & Disclosures

Buyer’s Representation Agreement (Buyer Broker Agreement)

• What it is:
  A formal contract between a real estate broker (agent) and a potential homebuyer.

• Purpose:
  Outlines the services the agent will provide, how they will be compensated, and the nature of the relationship.

• Requirement:
  Mandatory if you want to use an agent with access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Florida.

• Benefits:
  Provides transparency, clear expectations, and ensures the agent acts in the buyer’s best interest.

Agency Disclosure

• When it’s required:
  Before an agent shows a property or signs any listing or representation agreement.

• Form:
  A written disclosure signed by the client, stating the agent’s role.

Agent Roles Defined

• Single Agent:
  Represents only one party (buyer or seller) with fiduciary duties including loyalty, confidentiality, disclosure, obedience, and accounting.

• Transaction Broker:
  Assists both buyer and seller but without fiduciary duties; acts as a neutral facilitator.

• No Brokerage Relationship:
  The agent does not represent either party; assists only with paperwork or access.

One-Time Showing Agreement

• What it is:
  A short-term agreement authorizing a real estate agent to show a buyer a specific property one time only.

• Purpose:
  Allows the buyer to view a property without entering into an exclusive Buyer’s Representation Agreement.

• When it’s used:
  Commonly used when the buyer wants to see a property listed by another brokerage and has not yet signed a Buyer’s Representation Agreement with an agent.

• Compensation:
  Usually paid by the listing broker or seller, and does not obligate the buyer to compensate the showing agent.