Since August 17, 2024, an American real estate agent who belongs to a multiple listing service and works with a home buyer must sign a written agreement with the buyer before touring a home. The rule came from the settlement of lawsuits over broker commissions.
The agent’s pay must be stated: “The amount of compensation must be objectively ascertainable and may not be open-ended.” The National Association of Realtors advises: “Agreements should clearly articulate the services the MLS Participant will provide buyer.”