FAQ's
FAQs for Touring Our Listings as an Unrepresented Buyer
Q1: Why do I have to sign these forms before touring a home?
Great question! Texas law requires all real estate license holders to provide unrepresented parties with two important disclosures before showing any homes. This is to protect you and ensure you fully understand who represents whom in a transaction.
Q2: What is the “Consumer Protection Notice”?
This notice comes from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and lets you know:
- TREC regulates real estate license holders (like us).
- You have the right to file a complaint if needed.
- There are recovery funds available to protect consumers in the rare event of misconduct.
Q3: What is the “Information About Brokerage Services” (IABS) form?
This form explains the different types of relationships a real estate professional might have with a buyer or seller. It helps clarify whether someone is representing you, the seller, or both parties (intermediary). Signing the IABS is not a commitment — it just confirms that you received the information.
Q4: Do these forms mean I’m hiring you to be my agent?
Not at all! These are simply disclosures. You are still a customer, not a client. If you’d like us to represent you as a buyer’s agent, we’d walk you through a separate agreement. Until then, we legally represent the seller and must put their best interests first.
Q5: Can I tour homes without signing?
Due to updated legal and ethical requirements after the NAR lawsuit, no. In Texas, these forms must be shared and acknowledged before any property tours to ensure transparency and compliance. It protects everyone involved — especially you.
Q6: What if I don’t want to work with anyone yet?
Totally okay. Touring a property doesn’t obligate you to anything. If you decide not to move forward with this property, we’d still love to earn the opportunity to interview for the job of helping you find your dream home.
Q7: What if I want to make an offer on your listing?
If you're not currently represented by a buyer’s agent and you’d like to submit an offer on one of our listings, we’ll need to go over your options. We can either:
- Refer you to another licensed agent who can represent you as a buyer’s agent, ensuring your best interests are protected throughout the transaction.
- Act as an intermediary — but only with written consent from all parties. In that case, our role is to remain neutral and facilitate the deal fairly, without providing negotiation advice to either party.
