A home buyer will be asked to sign a written agreement to take advantage of these important services. Signing a contract is an important protection for the buyer as well as the agent. (If you are not offered a contract with your buyer agent you should initiate one yourself, so the terms and fee is agreed upon and understood beforehand.) The contract requires loyalty to the agent, so it is important to spend some time interviewing agents to choose someone whose skills meet your needs as well as finding a good chemistry in personalities.  Exclusive Buyer Agents find homes for sale by owner from local papers, the internet, as well as homes listed with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Seller agents who participate in this computerized service generally offer compensation to cooperating agents including Exclusive Buyer Agents. This means the best news for consumers is that Exclusive Buyer Agency is generally available at no Extra cost!

These days many home buyers prefer instead to hire a buyer's broker, one who owes the full range of duties, including confidentiality and obedience, to the buyer. A buyer's broker is often paid by the seller, regardless of the agency relationship.