Buyer Agreement: 5 Fail-Proof Scripts

The new NAR rules effective August 2024 changed the US real estate landscape. Agents can no longer show homes without a signed agreement, causing awkwardness with clients. In this article, we offer 5 proven scripts, current statistics, and strategies to help you explain your value, justify your commission, and easily get the buyer’s signature. Learn how MyRE technologies help automate this process.

Overcoming Fear: The New Reality After the NAR Settlement

It has been several months since the changes mandated by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement went into effect, yet many agents across America still feel discomfort during the first contact with a potential buyer. Previously, you could meet at the doorstep, show the property, and build trust through live interaction. Today, the law requires signing a Buyer Representation Agreement (or its equivalent) before you even turn the key in the lock. This creates a psychological barrier: how do you ask a stranger to sign a legal document immediately?

The key to success lies in a mindset shift. Instead of viewing this requirement as a bureaucratic hurdle, see it as a filter for seriousness and the first step toward professionalism. Buyers in the US value transparency. When you confidently explain that the new rules are designed for their protection, not your enrichment, the ice melts. Your task is to take the initiative and educate the client. The modern buyer is well-read but often misinformed by media headlines claiming “realtor services are now free” or “commissions have been abolished.” Your expertise begins with clarifying the real situation.

Pro Tip!: Create a separate, beautifully designed landing page on your MyRE website titled “For Buyers: How We Work,” where the new NAR rules are explained in simple language. Send the link to this page to the client one hour before the meeting — this will answer 80% of their questions before you even shake hands.

Selling Value: Scripts on Protection and Fiduciary Duty

The biggest mistake is starting the conversation with money or obligations. Start with the benefit to the client. The buyer needs to understand why they need an agent at all if they can find a house on Zillow. This is where scripts based on your fiduciary responsibility come into play. You must clearly distinguish between the role of the Listing Agent and your role.

• Script #1 (On Protection): “Mr. Smith, this agreement isn’t just a formality; it is your safety net. Without it, if I show you this home, by law I would just be a ‘door opener’ with no right to give you advice. By signing this agreement, I legally become your representative. This means my job is to find hidden defects, check the property’s history, and most importantly, negotiate to lower the price for you, not protect the seller’s interests.”
• Script #2 (On Negotiation Strategy): “Imagine going to court. Would you want the other side’s lawyer giving you advice? The Listing Agent is hired to sell the home for the highest possible price. By signing an agreement with me, you are hiring a professional negotiator whose sole goal is to secure the best terms, repairs at the seller’s expense, and a fair price for you.”

These phrases shift the focus from the “obligation to pay” to the “privilege of having a defender.” The client begins to see the contract as a tool for their own benefit.

Pro Tip!: Include a visual “Who Works for Whom” chart in your Buyer Presentation, clearly showing that the Listing Agent works for the seller, and you work for the buyer. This infographic can be easily posted on your MyRE website blog and displayed on a tablet.

The Money Talk: Who Really Pays the Commission in 2025?

The question “Will I have to pay you out of my own pocket?” is the scariest one for an agent. However, statistics are on your side. Despite the panic in the news, data from Inman and Redfin show that the market has stabilized. The average buyer agent commission is holding steady at around 2.4–2.5%, and in the vast majority of cases (over 90%), sellers continue to offer concessions to cover the buyer’s agent costs. Why? Because sellers need buyers, and most buyers do not have extra cash to pay for realtor services on top of their down payment.

• Script #3 (On Market Reality): “That is a great question. The good news is that while the new rules require us to state my commission in the contract, in practice, in 9 out of 10 cases, the seller covers it. My goal is to include the payment for my services in the purchase offer so that you don’t have to take out your checkbook. We will request this from the seller as a condition of the deal.”
• Script #4 (If the Seller Refuses to Pay): “If we find your dream home where the seller adamantly refuses to pay the buyer agent’s commission (which is rare right now), we will discuss this before writing an offer. We can either adjust the offer price to account for these costs, or you can decide the house isn’t worth it. You are always in control of the situation; there will be no surprises at the end.”

This approach demonstrates transparency and removes the fear of hidden fees.

Pro Tip!: Use the mortgage and closing cost calculators built into the functionality of MyRE websites. Show the client two scenarios in numbers: one where the seller pays and one where they pay, and explain how you will fight for the first option.

Handling Objections: Flexibility and Short-Term Agreements

Sometimes, despite all arguments, a buyer simply isn’t ready for a “marriage” with a realtor for 6 months. They just want to see one specific house. In such a situation, rigid pressure will lead to losing the client. Be flexible. The new rules allow for signing agreements limited to specific properties or timeframes.

• Script #5 (For the Hesitant — The “Test Drive”): “I understand that we just met, and you aren’t ready to sign an exclusive contract for six months. Let’s do this: we will sign an agreement just for the viewing of this specific house (or for this weekend). This doesn’t obligate you to anything in the future, but it allows me to legally show you the home and give professional advice. If you like how I work, we can discuss long-term cooperation. Is that fair?”

This script (“The specific property agreement”) relieves tension. The client feels safe because the “risk” is limited to one house, while you fulfill legal requirements and get a chance to demonstrate your professionalism in action.

Pro Tip!: Set up templates for “One-Time Showings” in your CRM system or MyRE website dashboard. This will allow you to generate and sign these documents electronically (via DocuSign or similar) right on your smartphone screen in 2 minutes while standing at the front door. MyRE technical support can help integrate these forms into your site.

Technological Advantage Builds Trust

The NAR settlement has forever changed the industry, making it more formalized, but also more professional. The days when you could work on a “handshake deal” are gone. Today’s US realtor must be not just a salesperson, but a competent consultant capable of handling legal nuances and market analytics. Using the right scripts helps remove psychological barriers, but it is the technological foundation that turns words into service.

Buyers expect instant access to information and transparency. When your website, developed on the MyRE platform, provides them with a client portal containing documents, clear guides on commissions, and automated agreement forms, you automatically position yourself as a top expert. At MyRE, we closely monitor legislative changes and update our site functionality so you can focus on clients, not technical routine. Use our tools to turn the new market rules from a problem into your competitive advantage.

At MyRE, we know how fast the U.S. real estate market evolves — mortgage rates, buyer behavior, inventory levels, and marketing trends shift every month.
Our weekly insights help REALTORS® stay ahead of the curve, understand market changes, and make smarter business decisions.

Every strategy, tool, and technology we cover here — from IDX and CRM to automated marketing — is available inside your MyRE website.

You don’t need to be a tech expert — our platform makes modern real estate solutions simple, effective, and ready to use.

Start exploring smarter ways to grow your business today.

Trusted by 1,000+ agents across the U.S.