06/29/2024
This is not new for New Jersey, we’ve always been required to do this.
PSA TO ALL HOME BUYERS: On August 17th a Realtor CAN NOT show you a home unless you have signed agreement with them. (Unless you request a showing through the listing agent.) Usually it’s not a problem and we can zip over, show it to you and be done, however, starting August 17th no Realtor will be able to unlock a door for you without you first signing that agreement. This will be non negotiable for any person with a Realtor designation. The usual form between buyer and Realtor is a Buyers Representation Agreement (however any written agreement to show a property will suffice. It doesn’t have to be a buyers rep. A buyers rep (if that’s what you sign) is basically your contract between you and that realtor saying you will be using them to buy a home and breaking down the roles, duties and responsibilities owed to you by your agent etc. This is not something we want to do, but are being required to do.
Picking the agent you want to use to help you buy a home is an important decision and not one that should be forced upon you just to see a home. The good news is that we get to decide when it expires, so although you may have to sign one, if you’re not ready yet to fully commit to a Realtor, you can always request an agreement that expires in a day, a week, a month, etc.. lastly, please don’t yell at your local realtors if they want you to sign something before showing you a home. We don’t have a choice. 
