True Confession

KATE, If is true confession time I have to confess that I don't use them either.  I took the ABR class thinking that would change my mind but it didn't.  Years ago I was a manufacturer's rep and was with a guy who got so caught up in contracts he turned many of our principles off.  I want people to use me because I am doing a bang up job for them.  I don't want to be so caught up in a contract that they feel they have to stay with me because they signed it.  I have been in the industry almost a dozen years and that has worked for me.

In our area there is a teacher that instructs agents to "list buyer" or don't spend time on them.  I prefer to work like you do.

Kate, very good post.  I agree with you.  And, as you said, being consistent is the most important thing.  Insist on agreements from all clients or no clients.  That will keep you from being charged with discrimination. 

In our state it is required to have a buyers representative in order to represent them as a client.  If I don't get the agreement up front, then I make sure I get it before we write an offer.

I use it a a sign of respect..

1.) Mr/Mrs Buyer you will respect me as your agent (my time my talent my knowledge my business)

2.) Mr/Mrs Buyer I will respect you ( your time, your needs, your finical post ion)

with out the buyers agreement I work for my self and in some sense the seller.. if you want me to be 110% on your team that lets get in agreement

I use them and have (most of the time) since taking the ABR class.  In LV it's becoming a requirement at many companies (not mine yet)....and I've heard rumor that it will be a state requirement eventually.

KATE - I've only started approaching buyers with this idea since getting a buyer designation.  I don't fault those that don't use them because it is a matter of choice.  I'm just curious as to why there is a negative perception of them with some agents and buyers, and yet every listing has paperwork that is signed without giving it a second thought?

Kate - I usually don't bring up the agreement until they want to make an offer.  That seems to work for me as well.  One time, I had a buyer asking ME if they could sign the agreement! - That was a switch!  :)

Kathleen:  I have gone back and forth on these things. I don't feel them necessary to be signed before I work with a buyer....though my Broker does require them with a contract package.  Funny thing is, I have had signed agreements with buyers that have bought with someone else.  My Broker never goes after the compensation because compensation usually boils down to procuring cause.  The buyer rep agreement is worthless...but can be a useful tool to uncover if you have a buyer already working with another agent.

Kate,  Our broker does not require a Buyer Broker agreement and I do not use one.  Before I commit to working with a buyer, I sit with them and review the entire purchase process, which takes between 1 and 2 hours.  In the very beginning of my buyer presentation, I tell them all of the things that I do for them and expect one thing in return.  I expect them to use me as their exclusive agent.  If they do not agree, I thank them for meeting with me and see them to the door.

Kate my area is similar, with cabins, vacant land and second homes, it is difficult to represent the buyer for all the reasons you wrote and I agree. I do like Steve's comment above, lettingthem know what you expect. The truth is a buyer is a free agent, even with the signed agreement they can wiggle out of it. Gain trust and respect, expect and ask for some loyalty.