What Is a Buyer Broker Agreement? Rules for Washington Homebuyers in 2025
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What is a buyer broker agreement? If you’re buying a home in Washington, you’ll now be required to sign one before receiving any meaningful services from a licensed real estate agent. But what exactly does it mean, and does it change how realtor fees work? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Buyer Broker Agreement in Washington?
If you're planning to buy a home in Washington and working with a licensed real estate agent, there’s one key document you’ll need to sign: the Buyer Broker Agreement (BBA). This agreement outlines the terms of your relationship with your agent, including how they are compensated. Think of it as the “engagement ring” of the home-buying process — formalizing your partnership while still giving you flexibility.
When Did the New Law Take Effect?
As of January 1, 2024, Washington state requires a signed Buyer Broker Agreement before a real estate agent can provide key services like home tours, writing offers, or offering pricing advice. A nationwide rule followed in August 2024 for all REALTORS®, further solidifying this shift toward professionalism and transparency.
Is the Agreement Exclusive?
Good news: this agreement doesn’t have to be exclusive. You can choose to work with more than one agent, especially if they cover different geographic areas. And if things change? You can dissolve the agreement with written notice. It’s all about clear communication and flexibility.
Why the Buyer Agreement Matters
This new requirement brings long-overdue clarity to the buying process. Until recently, listing agents had formal contracts, while buyers operated in a gray area. The BBA now ensures that buyer representation is just as professional and transparent.
It also helps buyers make more thoughtful decisions when hiring an agent. You’ll know who represents you, how they’re paid, and what services you can expect. And that’s a win for everyone involved.
Who Pays the Realtor Fees?
How Seller Compensation Usually Works
Traditionally, buyers assume the seller pays the buyer’s agent. While technically true in most cases, here’s how it really works:
Sellers choose whether to offer compensation to the buyer’s broker.
This compensation is listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and baked into the home’s price.
Ultimately, it’s you—the buyer—who funds the sale, so the agent’s fee is indirectly paid by you through the purchase price or mortgage.
This approach makes buyer representation accessible without an extra out-of-pocket cost.
What If the Seller Offers Less (or Nothing)?
In some cases, a seller may:
Offer partial compensation
Offer no compensation at all
Leave it up to the buyer to “request in offer”
If that happens, here’s what you can do:
Pay the difference yourself at closing
Adjust your offer to include compensation to your agent
Negotiate terms to ensure everyone is fairly compensated
Washington's proactive MLS has made these scenarios transparent, helping buyers and agents navigate them with confidence.
Buyer FAQ: Can I Work with Multiple Agents?
Yes — and sometimes, it’s smart to do so.
You can have non-exclusive agreements with different agents in different areas. For example, if you’re looking in both Gig Harbor and Bellingham, work with a local expert in each market.
At Neighborhood Experts, we only serve the areas we know deeply: Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Tacoma, and Olalla. But we’re happy to refer you to a trusted agent elsewhere. It’s all about protecting your interests.
What Sellers Need to Know in 2025
If you’re selling a home, you now see a separate line in the listing agreement for the buyer broker’s compensation. You’ve got three options:
Offer a commission upfront
Allow buyers to request commission in their offer
Offer zero compensation
While none of these are new, they’re now clearly outlined, encouraging thoughtful strategy. You can also now sign a listing agreement up to 90 days before going live, giving you more time for prep and planning.
Your decision may affect how many buyers your home attracts, especially VA or FHA buyers, who may be limited in what they can pay directly.
What This Means for Today’s Market
These changes encourage greater transparency and professionalism in the real estate industry.
For buyers:
You’re empowered to choose your agent
You’ll understand exactly how they’re paid
You can plan accordingly if a seller doesn’t offer commission
For sellers:
You have clear options on what to offer
Your strategy can impact how attractive your home appears to buyers
You can work with your agent to make data-informed decisions based on market conditions
We track market shifts weekly and adjust our advice in real-time. Whether the market favors buyers or sellers, we’ve got your back.
Key Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers
Buyers in Washington must now sign a formal Buyer Broker Agreement before receiving agent services.
The agreement clarifies how buyer agents are paid, and that buyers are ultimately responsible.
Most sellers still offer compensation, but it’s now more transparent and negotiable.
If a seller offers no or reduced compensation, buyers may pay their agent directly or negotiate it in the offer.
Local agents like Paige Schulte ensure you understand your rights and fees upfront.
Work with a Neighborhood Expert
Confused by all the new rules around buyer broker agreements and real estate fees? Get clear guidance from Paige Schulte and the Neighborhood Experts. We are trusted, local professionals who can help you navigate every part of the buying process with transparency and confidence. Call (253) 313-4093 or reach out today.