One of the most important documents in the Texas homebuying process is the Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA). A lot of buyers don’t fully understand what it does or why it matters—but this document shapes the entire relationship between you and your Realtor.
I want you to feel completely confident before you sign anything, so here’s a simple breakdown of what the agreement means, how it protects you, and why it’s a core part of buying a home in North Texas.
1. A Buyer Representation Agreement Makes Your Realtor Your Fiduciary
This is the #1 thing most buyers misunderstand.
Once you sign a Buyer Rep Agreement, I legally become your:
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Fiduciary
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Advocate
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Negotiator
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Advisor
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Representative
It means I’m obligated to:
✔️ Put your interests above everything else
✔️ Protect your confidentiality
✔️ Give you honest advice
✔️ Disclose anything that benefits you
✔️ Negotiate only on your behalf
✔️ Help you avoid risks
✔️ Guide you through every part of the contract
Before the agreement is signed, an agent technically represents themselves or the seller.
Once you sign it, I represent YOU.
2. It Also Means I Work For You, Not the Seller
Without a signed BRA, Texas law requires the Realtor to treat you as a customer, not a client.
That means:
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Limited advice
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Limited advocacy
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Limited responsibilities
Once the agreement is signed, you become a represented client, which gives you:
✔️ Full negotiation strategy
✔️ Full market analysis
✔️ Full advice & guidance
✔️ Full contract explanation
✔️ Insider comps & pricing guidance
✔️ Full due-diligence support
✔️ Full protection throughout the transaction
It’s the difference between having a professional in your corner…or trying to navigate a complex process alone.
3. The Agreement Lasts for a Defined Time Period
The Texas Buyer Representation Agreement isn’t permanent.
You and I decide:
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The start date
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The end date
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The scope of the relationship
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Whether it’s for all homes or specific homes only
Most of my clients choose a 60–180 day agreement, depending on their search.
4. How the Commission Works Under the Agreement
This is another area where buyers often have questions.
✔️ In most cases, the seller pays the buyer agent’s fee.
This has been the standard model in Texas for decades.
If a seller or builder does not offer sufficient compensation, we decide together how to handle that scenario.
You always know the details upfront—no surprises.
5. You Get Full Access to My Resources & Expertise
Once we’re under agreement, you unlock everything I bring to the table, including:
✔️ Access to my full MLS search tools
✔️ Private/back-channel property intel
✔️ Strategy for new-build vs. resale
✔️ Repairs and inspection advice
✔️ My full contractor list (plumbers, HVAC, electricians, roofers, etc.)
✔️ Step-by-step guidance through every contract and addendum
✔️ Pricing analysis for each home
✔️ Neighborhood-specific insights
✔️ Builder incentive updates
✔️ My negotiation playbook
It’s a professional partnership—not just a casual home search.
6. You Are Not Locked Into a Bad Relationship
This is important.
If I’m ever not living up to your expectations, or if your situation changes, Texas law allows the agreement to be:
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Modified
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Shortened
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Restricted
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Or even terminated by mutual agreement
I want you to work with me because you feel well represented—not because you feel trapped.
7. The Agreement Explains Intermediary (Dual Representation)
Texas allows "intermediary" situations where the same broker represents both the buyer and seller.
The Buyer Rep Agreement explains:
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Whether I can act as intermediary
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How information is handled
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What I can and cannot disclose
I always explain this in plain English so there’s no confusion.
8. It Protects Your Confidential Information
Once we sign the agreement, I am legally prohibited from sharing:
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Your financial details
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Your motivation
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Your timeline
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Your maximum budget
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Your concerns
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Any information that harms your negotiating position
This alone is worth signing—especially in competitive markets.
9. It Gives You Priority Access
My clients who have signed a BRA get:
✔️ First showing availability
✔️ Priority scheduling
✔️ Early access to coming-soon listings
✔️ Faster offer preparation
✔️ Immediate negotiation support
You’re not just another person browsing Zillow—you’re a client I’m actively working for.
10. Your Realtor Should Walk You Through Every Part
A great Texas Realtor should explain each section of the agreement:
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Term
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Area
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Compensation
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Duties
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Agency relationships
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Intermediary
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Broker responsibilities
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Client responsibilities
When I review it with buyers, it usually takes 5–10 minutes and answers most questions they didn’t even know to ask.
Bottom Line: The Buyer Representation Agreement Protects YOU
Signing a BRA turns a casual home search into a fully guided, fully protected experience.
It puts a professional in your corner and ensures you get the highest level of service possible.
Thinking About Buying in North Texas?
If you want a Realtor who explains everything clearly, protects your interests, and guides you through the Texas buying process from start to finish, I’d love to help.
