Understanding Your Buyer Agency Agreement

Finding Homes & Farms for Buyer Clients
Buyer Representation in Charlottesville & Central Virginia

When you choose us as your Realtors in Charlottesville and Central Virginia, we begin with a written Buyer Agency Agreement. This important document is more than a legal requirement in Virginia—it’s a clear roadmap for how we will work together and how we will represent you. By signing this agreement, we formally commit to acting as your Buyer’s Agents, ensuring that you receive professional guidance, market insight, and advocacy at every step of your home or farm search.

During our first conversation, we explain the different types of agency, what exclusive buyer representation means, and how confidentiality works. Once the agreement is in place, you can move forward confidently, knowing that our fiduciary duty is to you: protecting your interests, negotiating on your behalf, and keeping your information private.

Your goals become our goals. Whether you’re purchasing a Charlottesville townhome, country property, or Central Virginia farm, we are here to make the process as smooth and informed as possible. If you ever have questions about the agreement or our role, we invite you to ask—we want you to feel comfortable, informed, and confident from the first showing to the closing table.

Buyer Representation & Your Rights

A Buyer Agency Agreement formalizes our relationship and clarifies how we represent you in a real estate transaction. It outlines what you can expect from us as your Buyer’s Agents and how we are obligated to act on your behalf.

• Buyer Agency Agreement: A written document that defines our role as your Buyer’s Agents in Charlottesville and Central Virginia real estate transactions.
• Purpose: To establish our commitment to representing your interests exclusively throughout the home-buying process.
• Essential Details: The agreement explains how we will act on your behalf, including our fiduciary duties of loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, and reasonable care.
• Signature Requirement: Both you and your agents sign the agreement to formalize the professional relationship and clearly document expectations.
• Exclusive Representation: We work solely for you as the buyer—not the seller—providing unbiased guidance, market analysis, and negotiation strategy.
• Transparency & Disclosure: The agreement provides clarity on our duties, how we are compensated, and how potential conflicts of interest are handled.

Understanding your Buyer Agency Agreement is an important step in protecting your interests and making confident decisions. We are always happy to review it with you in detail, answer questions, and explain how buyer representation works in the Charlottesville and Central Virginia real estate market.

Questions About Buyer Representation? Email or Call 434-981-4149

Buyer Agency Agreement – Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement in Virginia?

Virginia law requires a written Buyer Agency Agreement before a Realtor can represent you in a property purchase. This protects you by clearly defining your rights, our obligations, how compensation is handled, and the fiduciary duties we owe you as your Buyer’s Agents.

Does a Buyer Agency Agreement limit my options?

No. The agreement empowers you. It ensures you have exclusive representation and allows us to act fully on your behalf. You remain free to explore all properties—including those listed by any brokerage, new construction, and For Sale By Owner homes.

What fiduciary duties do Buyer’s Agents owe me?

As your Buyer’s Agents, we owe you loyalty, confidentiality, obedience, disclosure, accounting, and reasonable care. These obligations ensure your best interests always come first during negotiations, showings, contract preparation, and closing.

Does signing the agreement mean I’m locked into working with one agent?

You are hiring us to represent you exclusively during the term of the agreement. This provides continuity, dedicated advocacy, and consistent professional support. If your plans change, we are always open to discussing adjustments to the agreement.

How long does a Buyer Agency Agreement last?

The duration is flexible and determined during our initial conversation. Most agreements are structured to cover the active home search period and the closing process.

Can I negotiate the terms of the agreement?

Yes. All terms—including duration, scope of services, and compensation—can be discussed and tailored to your needs. Our goal is clarity and comfort, not pressure.

How does compensation work in a Buyer Agency Agreement?

The agreement outlines how Buyer Broker compensation is handled. In many transactions, the Seller chooses to offer compensation; in others, buyers may request a Seller contribution or pay the fee at closing. We review every option clearly so you know exactly what to expect.

What if I want legal advice about the agreement?

While we explain the agreement thoroughly, buyers seeking legal or tax guidance should consult a qualified attorney. We are happy to connect you with trusted local professionals if needed.