Do I Have to Sign a Buyer Agreement in Pennsylvania, and Who Pays the Buyer's Agent?
Yes. Since August 17, 2024, Pennsylvania agents must have a signed buyer agency agreement in place before showing you a home listed on the MLS. The agreement spells out your agent's services, how long the agreement lasts, and how your agent is paid. Compensation is negotiable, and in many transactions the buyer asks the seller to cover some or all of it as part of the offer. A good agent will explain all of this clearly before you sign.
Why do I have to sign something before I see a house?
Industry rule changes that took effect in August 2024 require a written agreement between buyers and their agents before touring homes. In Pennsylvania, this is usually the standard Buyer Agency Contract. It protects you by putting your agent's duties to you in writing, so you know your agent is working in your best interest, not the seller's.
What is in a Pennsylvania buyer agency agreement?
The type of representation and your agent's duties to you
How long the agreement lasts and how it can end
The services your agent will provide
How much your agent is paid and how that payment is handled
Read it carefully and ask questions. The terms, including length and compensation, are negotiable.
Who pays the buyer's agent now?
There are a few ways it can happen:
The seller pays. Many sellers still choose to contribute toward the buyer's agent fee because it helps attract more buyers.
The buyer asks the seller to pay in the offer. Your offer can request that the seller cover some or all of your agent's compensation.
The buyer pays some or all of it. If the seller will not contribute, your agreement explains what you would owe.
Buyer agent compensation is no longer shown on MLS listings, so these conversations now happen during your consultation and when we write offers.
Can I go to an open house without signing anything?
Yes. If you walk into an open house on your own and talk with the listing agent, you generally do not need to sign a buyer agreement just to look around. Keep in mind that the listing agent represents the seller.
How does the Shaina McAndrews Team handle buyer agent compensation?
We believe in clear, no-surprise conversations. Before you sign, we walk you through our agreement line by line, explain exactly what is included, and answer every question. When we write offers, we work to have the seller contribute toward your agent's compensation whenever possible, so it does not come out of your pocket. If a particular home's seller will not contribute, we talk through your options before you decide to make an offer.
What do I get as a signed buyer client?
Our Off Market Search Team, including homeowner outreach in your target area and offer shopping if an offer is not accepted
Access to eXp Exclusives pre-market and off-market listings
A Personalized Path to Homeownership after your consultation
Guidance on assistance programs and connections to trusted lenders
Local expertise on transfer taxes, U&O inspections, radon testing, and other Montgomery County details
Have questions about buyer agreements? Ask us first.
The Shaina McAndrews Team at eXp Realty is warm, direct, and transparent, with no pressure. We have more than 10 years of experience, we are licensed in PA and NJ, and we plant a tree for every home we close (more than 1,000 so far). Book a free consultation and we will walk you through our agreement before you commit to anything.
Schedule a Buyer Strategy Consultation
See Our Step by Step Buying Process
Call or text 215.767.7150 or visit MontCoLiving.com.
Sources
Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, Buyer Agency Contract (Form BAC)
Redfin, Pennsylvania Real Estate Commissions
National Association of Realtors practice changes effective August 17, 2024
