Debbie a touchy issue. I have to say that sometimes it feels like a Prenuptial marriage agreement.

I give them some time to get to know me and then sign an agreement on a single property basis upon signing the contract to purchase. I try to get a relationship of trust with the client but I have been burned.

Debbie,

We did, and we had a whole survey of the type of things they were looking for.  We also had them initial that they had seen the space.  This was really important when our clients were looking to lease one to two floors in a building,  

We had a very simple agreement, and they could opt out in 30 days.

The one time I did not get it signed was because the attorneys were in South Africa.  I just stuck to our client like glue,  and had him acknowledge every property he saw, and faxed an answer to each query.  We ended up good friends and he leased another two floors in the office building a year later.  A

Debbie, I don't want to ask someone to get married before the first date.  I start off with a conversation about how I work, and I usually get a sign once we know one another. 

Not always. I like to get to know people before I decide to work with them. 

Yes.

Praful takes care of this part.

I don't in most cases.

We usually give a "freebie" before signing. They may not like us, we may not like them either! I like the "pre-nup" analogy...

Too often the real estate professionals involved feel venerability should they pursue a commitment from the buyer. They fear the buyer will disappear. Let me attempt to address the fear. I think you will like it. Last weeks blog was 'Let the warrior through' about who we REALLY are instead of allowing others to define us.

If you want the fire tested overcomer, working on your behalf, sign here.

We are required by state law to discuss agency at first substantive conversation and have them sign something acknowledging we explained agency, then sign something saying they wish to be unrepresented, represented, represented for only the houses they see with us that day/week, whatever.  We are free to decide how long we will work together without entering into a long term agreement, but it must be defined in writing so the consumer understands what it all means.  

For those consumers who want to continue playing the field with multiple agents, they are free to do that but if they make an offer on something we have shown them, we have a BBA in place for that property.  What we will not do is make those consumers a priority over BBA clients and we explain that carefully in the beginning.  After the "engagement" has gone on for a while, either they become clients or they decide not to, in which case, we move on.  We are busy enough we do not have time to play chicken with people who do not see the need for an exclusive relationship at some point.  

The first time out showing properties is when I get to know them and when we get a feel for each other.  The second time out is when I ask if they want to work with me and if they agree, I ask them to sign the Buyer's Agency.  The only exception is if I already know the person.

Here on Long Island, many are skeptical to sign anything...

But, with a Buyer we were just working with, we were lucky to have a Buyer Agreement with them because another family member was working with a different Realtor...who did not have any agreement!

Sometimes yes, if I don't trust them.  Most times not.  But if I feel like I am being used and abused, I don't mind firing them in an instant

Debbie - With new clients I do not know personally, I will try to get to know them a little first. After meeting with them and showing them a property, I will ask for them to sign a Buyer Broker agreement once we know we will be working together. With referrals, friends, or family, I usually do not worry about it too much until we find a home.

I have to admit that there are times when I don't do that until the want to make an offer.  Some people won't sign anything.  They just want to look at a listing.  If they have to sign, then the will go omewhere else.  We have sold many homes that way.

Debbie Reynolds we need the buyers to sign the Mandatory Agency Disclosure - Buyer's agreement is not necessary.

Kind of, sort of.  I usually meet new Buyers and sit down with them to see if we connect before I start showing homes, and part of that process is explaining Office Agency and Exclusive Buyer Agency.  If they are not comfortable signing one I let them go.  When we are unable to get together ahead of time I will show them one home and get the BB signed there.

I try to have it signed after 1 showing.  I prefer to have a meeting prior to viewing property, but that is not always possible.

Depends on the client - past clients - no not until we find the property.   Usually brand new buyers I like to get it signed, so they know what to expect.   But, usually get to know the client so I know if I want to work with them.

Sometimes.  Sometimes I wonder if I want to work with some people and "I" don't want to be tied into a contract.

Depends on the buyer, Debbie. So many of mine are referred to me I don't really worry about it and often they ask if they should sign something with me first.

Not usually.  I try to get to know them and their attitude toward the process.  I question them thoroughly and decide what im going to do.  

I show them properties the first time, but then at the end of the appointment, I ask for signatures on the disclosure forms required by the state, and also the Buyers Rep Agreement.  It is a rubber hits the road moment, they are either in or out. 

I have always required and agency disclosure form to be signed or have them decline to sign before opening the door. In Maryland, a disclosure form is required at the first scheduled meeting.

I've thought about this topic a lot Debbie Reynolds and for me the answer is still no I would not like to be asked to sign an exclusive agreement with someone I just met and for that reason do not request it. I am happy to meet any potential buyer a time or two so we can get to know one another.