When I meet with a buyer for the first time to show them homes, I make it a point to present them with a consumer guide to agency relationships (which I keep in my trunk) and, although most will sign I am sometimes met with looks of fear, anger, and skepticism. While I think I do my best to explain the document, some buyers simply refuse. When that happens you are to write on the form that the buyer refused to sign. It's my belief that those who refuse to sign do so because they feel they are signing a contract that will forever bind them to me.

THIS SIMPLY IS NOT TRUE. IT IS NOT A BUYER REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT NOR A CONTRACT OF ANY KIND. THE LAST LINE OF OUR CONSUMER GUIDE READS:

"Your signature will not obligate you to work with our company if you do not choose to do so."

The consumer guide is a document that explains what types of relationships can be created between an agent and his or her client and between the brokerage and the client.

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I have found that rather than giving it to them at the first showing it is be beneficial to e-mail the guide to prospective buyers and sellers so they can read it in the comfort of their own home, though this is not always possible. Then ask for an e-mail acknowledgement from them along with the signed copy of the guide.

THE IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS THIS:

IN OHIO, YOU MUST PRESENT AND EXPLAIN TO YOUR BUYER CLIENTS "THE CONSUMER GUIDE TO AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS" DOCUMENT BEFORE, YES, BEFORE YOU SHOW HOMES TO THAT CLIENT.

IF YOU PREQUALIFY YOUR BUYER CLIENTS OR ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR FINANCIAL INFORMATION, THEN THIS FORM MUST BE PRESENTED BEFORE DOING SO AND BEFORE SHOWING A HOME, (OTHER THAN AT AN OPEN HOUSE), AND BEFORE  DISCUSSING AN OFFER, OR WRITING AN OFFER.

THE CONSUMER GUIDE MUST ALSO BE GIVEN TO A SELLER BEFORE A HOME IS SHOWN OR MARKETED.

FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS VISIT THE OHIO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING PURCHASING OR SELLING A HOME SOON, PLEASE CONTACT BARB SZABO. I'D BE DELIGHTED TO SPEAK WITH YOU.