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STANDARD FORM 201
Revised 7/2020
© 7/2020
EXCLUSIVE BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT
[Consult “Guidelines” (Form 201G) for guidance in completing this form]
This EXCLUSIVE BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into (Date)____________________________,
between_________________________________________________________________________________as Buyer(s) (“Buyer”),
and________________________________________________________________________________________________ (“Firm”)
as the Buyer's exclusive agent to assist the Buyer in the acquisition of real property which may include any purchase, option and/or
exchange on terms and conditions acceptable to Buyer. The individual agent who signs this Agreement on behalf of the Firm shall, on
behalf of the Firm, be primarily responsible for ensuring that the Firm’s duties hereunder are fulfilled; however, it is understood and
agreed that other agents of the Firm may be assigned to fulfill such duties if deemed appropriate by the Firm. For purposes of this
Agreement, the term “Firm,” as the context may require, shall be deemed to include the individual agent who signs this Agreement
and any other agents of the Firm.
Buyer represents that, as of the commencement date of this Agreement, the Buyer is not a party to a buyer representation
agreement with any other real estate firm. Buyer has received a copy of the “WORKING WITH REAL ESTATE AGENTS”
brochure disclosure and has reviewed it with Firm. Buyer further represents that Buyer has disclosed to Firm information
about any properties of the type described in paragraph 1 below that Buyer has visited at any open houses or that Buyer has
been shown by any other real estate firm.
1. TYPE OF PROPERTY. Residential (improved and unimproved) Commercial (improved and unimproved)
Other _______________________________________________________________________
(a) General Location: ______________________________________________________________________________________
(b) Other: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. EFFECT OF AGREEMENT. Buyer intends to acquire real property of the type described in paragraph 1. By employing Firm as
Buyer's exclusive agent, Buyer agrees to conduct all negotiations for such property through Firm, and to refer to Firm all inquiries
received in any form from other real estate firms, prospective sellers or any other source, during the time this Agreement is in effect.
3. TERM OF AGREEMENT. The term of this Agreement (“Term”) shall begin on _________________________ and shall
terminate as follows (check appropriate box):
(For buyers who intend to purchase a single property): This Agreement shall terminate
when Buyer acquires real property of the
type described in paragraph 1, or 11:59 p.m. on ______________________________, whichever occurs sooner.
(For buyers who may purchase more than one property): This Agreement shall terminate at 11:59pm on __________________.
4. COMPENSATION OF FIRM.
(a) Firm acknowledges receipt of a non-refundable retainer fee in the amount of $__________________________________which
shall shall not be credited toward any compensation due Firm under this Agreement.
(b) Buyer agrees that Firm’s fee for services hereunder shall be in the amount of _______________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________(“Fee”)
(Insert dollar amount, percentage of purchase price, or other method of determining Firm’s compensation for each type of
property the Buyer may purchase, such as resale, new construction, land/lot and/or unrepresented seller. Do not insert N/A or
a zero ($0)).
(i) Firm shall seek the Fee from a cooperating listing firm (through the listing firm’s offer of compensation in MLS or
otherwise) or from the seller if there is no listing firm, and Buyer agrees that Firm shall be entitled to receive same in
consideration for Firm’s services hereunder.
(ii) If Buyer purchases property where the compensation offered by the listing firm and/or seller is less than the Fee, or
where no compensation is offered by either the listing firm or the seller, Buyer and Firm agree that Buyer will pay the
difference between the Fee and the compensation offered unless prohibited by law. Firm will timely inform Buyer if the
compensation offered is less than expected.
(iii) If additional compensation, incentive, bonus, rebate and/or other valuable consideration (“Additional Compensation”) is
offered through the MLS or otherwise, Buyer will permit the Firm to receive it in addition to the Fee. Firm shall timely
disclose the promise or expectation of receiving any such Additional Compensation and confirm the disclosure in writing
NOTE: If the Buyer is a corporation, limited liability company, trust or other legal entity, the entity should be named as
Buyer and a duly authorized officer, manager, trustee or other legal representative of the entity should sign this
Agreement on the entity's behalf.
before Buyer makes or accepts an offer to buy. (Note: NCAR Form #770 may be used to confirm the disclosure of any
such Additional Compensation)
(c) The compensation shall be deemed earned under any of the following circumstances:
(i) If, during the term of this Agreement, Buyer, any assignee of Buyer or any person/legal entity acting on behalf of Buyer
directly or indirectly enters into an agreement to purchase, option, and/or exchange any property of the type described
above regardless of the manner in which Buyer was introduced to the property; or
(ii) If, within _________ days after expiration of this Agreement (“Protection Period”), Buyer enters into a contract to
acquire property introduced to Buyer during the term of this Agreement by Firm or any third party, unless Buyer has
entered into a valid buyer agency agreement with another real estate firm; or
(iii) If, having entered into an enforceable contract to acquire property during the term of this Agreement, Buyer defaults under
the terms of that contract.
(d) The compensation will be due and payable at distribution of proceeds from sale of the Property by the closing attorney or upon
Buyer’s default of any purchase agreement. If Buyer defaults, the total compensation that would have been due the Firm will
be due and payable immediately in cash from the Buyer. No assignment of rights in real property obtained for Buyer or any
assignee of Buyer or any person/legal entity acting on behalf of Buyer pursuant to this Agreement shall operate to defeat any
of Firm rights under this Agreement.
(e) Attorney Fees and Costs. If Firm is the prevailing party in any legal proceeding brought by Firm against Buyer to recover the
Fee, Firm shall be entitled to recover from Buyer reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred by Firm in connection with
the proceeding.
(f) If Buyer purchases unimproved property, Agent may assist Buyer in identifying a contractor to make improvements on the
property, subject to the provisions of paragraph 10. Buyer acknowledges and understands that in such a case, the contractor
may offer to compensate Agent. Agent shall disclose to Buyer the existence of such an offer of compensation before Buyer
enters into a contract with the contractor, and Buyer hereby consents to the receipt by Agent of any such compensation.
5. OTHER POTENTIAL BUYERS. Buyer understands that other prospective purchasers represented by Firm may seek property,
submit offers, and contract to purchase property through Firm, including the same or similar property as Buyer seeks to purchase.
Buyer acknowledges, understands and consents to such representation of other prospective purchasers by Firm through its agents.
6. FIRM’S DUTIES.
During the term of this Agreement, Firm shall promote the interests of Buyer by: (a) performing the terms of this Agreement; (b)
seeking property at a price and terms acceptable to Buyer; (c) presenting in a timely manner all written offers or counteroffers to and
from Buyer; (d) disclosing to Buyer all material facts related to the property or concerning the transaction of which Firm has actual
knowledge; and (e) accounting for in a timely manner all money and property received in which Buyer has or may have an interest.
Unless otherwise provided by law or Buyer consents in writing to the release of the information, Firm shall maintain the
confidentiality of all personal and financial information and other matters identified as confidential by Buyer, if that information is
received from Buyer during the brokerage relationship. In satisfying these duties, Firm shall exercise ordinary care, comply with all
applicable laws and regulations, and treat all prospective sellers honestly and not knowingly give them false information. In addition,
Firm may show the same property to other buyers, represent other buyers, represent sellers relative to other properties, or provide
assistance to a seller or prospective seller by performing ministerial acts that are not inconsistent with Firm’s duties under this
Agreement.
Upon closing of any sale of property not entered in a listing service of which Firm is a member, Buyer authorizes Firm to submit
pertinent information concerning the property, including sales price, to such listing service.
7. DISCLOSURE OF BUYER'S NAME/MAILING ADDRESS.
(a) Unless otherwise stated in Paragraph 13 below, Firm has Buyer's permission to disclose Buyer's name.
(b) In accordance with NC General Statutes Section 93A-12, if a dispute regarding the return or forfeiture of any earnest money
deposit arises between Buyer and the seller of any real property Buyer may agree to purchase, the escrow agent holding the deposit
may deposit the disputed monies with the appropriate Clerk of Court following written notice to the parties. In the event of any
such dispute, Buyer directs Firm to disclose Buyer’s last known mailing address to the escrow agent upon request to enable the
escrow agent to comply with the notice requirement of such law.
NOTE: Buyer understands and acknowledges that there is the potential for a conflict of interest generated by a percentage of
price based fee for representing Buyer. The amount, format or rate of real estate commission is not fixed by law, but is set by
each broker individually, and may be negotiable between Buyer and Firm.
property is a tactic sometimes used to attempt to make a buyer’s offer stand out to the seller. Such letters often contain
personal information and reveal characteristics of the buyer which could be used, knowingly or through unconscious bias,
as a basis for the seller’s decision to accept or reject an offer that may violate State and Federal Fair Housing laws. In
order to avoid potential liability for unlawful discrimination as well as the appearance of impropriety, Buyer should
discuss with Firm how any such letters will be handled.
8. THE AGENT (FIRM) SHALL CONDUCT ALL BROKERAGE ACTIVITIES IN REGARD TO THIS AGREEMENT
WITHOUT RESPECT TO THE RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, HANDICAP OR FAMILIAL
STATUS OF ANY PARTY OR PROSPECTIVE PARTY. FURTHER, REALTORS® HAVE AN ETHICAL DUTY TO
CONDUCT SUCH ACTIVITIES WITHOUT RESPECT TO THE SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY OF
ANY PARTY OR PROSPECTIVE PARTY.
9. BUYER’S DUTIES. Buyer agrees to cooperate with Firm in the acquisition of real property of the type described in paragraph 1,
including but not limited to:
(a) working exclusively with Firm during the term of this Agreement;
(b) immediately referring to Firm information about any properties Buyer may have an interest in examining;
(c) complying with the reasonable requests of Firm to supply any pertinent financial or personal data needed to fulfill the terms of
this Agreement;
(d) being available for reasonable periods of time to examine properties;
(e) examining properties only by appointments made by or through Firm and accompanied by an agent of Firm;
(f) conducting all negotiations and communications through Firm;
(g) conducting all due diligence on property in consultation with Firm; and
(h) paying for all products and/or services required in the examination and evaluation of properties (examples: surveys, water/soil
tests, title reports, property inspections, etc.).
10. OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. In addition to the services rendered to Buyer by the Firm under the terms of this
Agreement, Buyer is advised to seek other professional advice in matters of law, taxation, financing, insurance, surveying, wood-
destroying insect infestation, structural soundness, engineering, building construction, and other matters pertaining to any proposed
transaction. Although Firm may provide Buyer the names of providers who claim to perform such services, Buyer understands that
Firm cannot guarantee the quality of service or level of expertise of any such provider. Buyer agrees to pay the full amount due for all
services directly to the service provider whether or not the transaction closes. Buyer also agrees to indemnify and hold Firm harmless
from and against any and all liability, claim, loss, damage, suit, or expense that Firm may incur either as a result of Buyer’s selection
and use of any such provider or Buyer’s election not to have one or more of such services performed.
Buyer acknowledges receipt of a sample copy of an Offer to Purchase And Contract for review purposes.
Buyer acknowledges receipt of a copy of the brochure Questions and Answers on: Home Inspections.
Buyer acknowledges receipt of a sample copy of a Professional Services Disclosure and Election form (form #760) for review
purposes.
11. HOME WARRANTY. The seller of any property Buyer may be interested in buying may or may not provide a home warranty
as a part of any sale. If the seller does not provide a home warranty, Buyer may elect to purchase one. Buyer understands that
although Firm will assist Buyer in identifying available home warranty products, Buyer must refer specific questions regarding
coverage afforded by any such product to the provider thereof. If Firm assists Buyer in obtaining a home warranty, a fee of
_____________________________ will be offered to Firm by the person or entity through or from which any home warranty is
obtained as compensation to Firm for its assistance in obtaining the home warranty, and Buyer hereby consents to Firm’s receipt of
such fee.
12. CONFIDENTIALITY OF OFFERS. Real estate brokers are prohibited by N.C. Real Estate Commission rule from disclosing
the price or other material terms contained in a party’s offer to purchase, sell, lease, rent or option real property to a competing party
without the express authority of the party making the offer. However, sellers may elect not to treat the existence, terms, or conditions
of any offers Buyer may make as confidential. Additionally, sellers may elect not to disclose or authorize seller’s agent to disclose the
existence of any other offer(s).
13. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS. ______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. DUAL AGENCY. Buyer understands that the potential for dual agency will arise if Buyer becomes interested in viewing
property listed with Firm. Firm may represent more than one party in the same transaction only with the knowledge and informed
consent of all parties for whom Firm acts.
(a) Disclosure of Information. In the event Firm serves as a dual agent, Buyer agrees that without permission from the party
about whom the information pertains, Firm shall not disclose to the other party the following information:
(1) that a party may agree to a price, terms, or any conditions of sale other than those offered;
(2) the motivation of a party for engaging in the transaction, unless disclosure is otherwise required by statute or rule; and
(3) any information about a party which that party has identified as confidential unless disclosure is otherwise required by
statute or rule.
(b) Firm’s Role as Dual Agent. If Firm serves as agent for both Buyer and a seller in a transaction, Firm shall make every
reasonable effort to represent Buyer and seller in a balanced and fair manner. Firm shall also make every reasonable effort to
encourage and effect communication and negotiation between Buyer and seller. Buyer understands and acknowledges that:
(1) Prior to the time dual agency occurs, Firm will act as Buyer’s exclusive agent;
(2) In its separate representation of Buyer and seller, Firm may obtain information which, if disclosed, could harm the
bargaining position of the party providing such information to Firm;
(3) Firm is required by law to disclose to Buyer and seller any known or reasonably ascertainable material facts.
Buyer agrees Firm shall not be liable to Buyer for (i) disclosing material facts required by law to be disclosed, and (ii) refusing or
failing to disclose other information the law does not require to be disclosed which could harm or compromise one party's bargaining
position but could benefit the other party.
(c) Buyer’s Role. Should Firm become a dual agent, Buyer understands and acknowledges that:
(1) Buyer has the responsibility of making Buyer’s own decisions as to what terms are to be included in any purchase and
sale agreement with a seller client of Firm;
(2) Buyer is fully aware of and understands the implications and consequences of Firm‘s dual agency role as expressed
herein to provide balanced and fair representation of Buyer and seller and to encourage and effect communication
between them rather than as an advocate or exclusive agent or representative;
(3) Buyer has determined that the benefits of dual agency outweigh any disadvantages or adverse consequences;
(4) Buyer may seek independent legal counsel to assist Buyer with the negotiation and preparation of a purchase and sale
agreement or with any matter relating to the transaction which is the subject matter of a purchase and sale agreement.
Should Firm become a dual agent, Buyer waives all claims, damages, losses, expenses or liabilities, other than for violations of the
North Carolina Real Estate License Law and intentional wrongful acts, arising from Firm's role as a dual agent. Buyer shall have a
duty to protect Buyer’s own interests and should read any purchase and sale agreement carefully to ensure that it accurately sets forth
the terms which Buyer wants included in said agreement.
(d) Authorization (initial only ONE).
______ ______ Buyer authorizes the Firm to act as a dual agent, representing both the Buyer and the seller, subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in this Paragraph 14.
______ ______ Buyer desires exclusive representation at all times during this agreement and does NOT authorize Firm to act in the
capacity of dual agent. If Buyer does not authorize Firm to act as a dual agent, the remainder of this paragraph
shall not apply.
(e) Designated Agent Option (Initial only if applicable).
______ ______ Buyer hereby authorizes the Firm to designate an individual agent(s) to represent the Buyer, to the exclusion of any
other individual agents associated with the Firm. The individual designated agent(s) shall represent only the
interests of the Buyer to the extent permitted by law.
(f) Dual Agency Compensation. If the Firm acts as a dual agent (including designated agency), the total fee the Firm expects to
receive for its services in representing Buyer and the seller shall be _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
(Insert dollar amount, percentage of purchase price, or other method of determining Firm’s compensation for each type of property
NOTE: When dual agency arises, an individual agent shall not practice designated agency and shall remain a dual agent if the
individual agent has actually received confidential information concerning a seller client of the Firm in connection with the
transaction or if designated agency is otherwise prohibited by law.
such as resale, new construction and/or land/lot the Buyer may purchase.). THIS WILL IN NO WAY AFFECT OR MODIFY THE
AMOUNT OF THE FEE SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH 4 ABOVE THAT FIRM EXPECTS TO RECEIVE FOR ITS SERVICES
IN REPRESENTING BUYER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. In the event Buyer is interested in purchasing a property where the
Firm’s total fee is different from that described in this subparagraph (f), the Firm shall timely disclose the fee to Buyer and confirm it
in writing before Buyer makes or accepts an offer to buy or sell any such property.
15. MEDIATION. If a dispute arises out of or related to this Agreement or the breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be settled
through negotiation, the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation before resorting to arbitration,
litigation, or some other dispute resolution procedure. If the need for mediation arises, the parties will choose a mutually acceptable
mediator and will share the cost of mediation equally.
16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT/CHANGES/TERMINATION. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Buyer and
Firm relating to the subject thereof, and any prior agreements pertaining thereto, whether oral or written, have been merged and
integrated into this Agreement. This Agreement may be signed in multiple originals or counterparts, all of which together constitute
one and the same instrument. No modification of any of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid, binding upon the parties, or
entitled to enforcement unless such modification has first been reduced to writing and signed by both Buyer and Firm. Buyer
acknowledges and understands that this Agreement constitutes a binding contract between Buyer and Firm. Although Buyer may at
any time withdraw from the fiduciary relationship existing between Buyer and Firm, the contract created by this Agreement may not
be terminated by Buyer or Firm prior to its Expiration Date without legally sufficient cause. Any such termination shall be by
mutually-acceptable written agreement signed by both Buyer and Firm.
17. SURVEILLANCE: Buyer is advised to be mindful of the fact that there could be video/audio/surveillance device(s) located on
any property examined by Buyer and that Buyer or Buyer’s representatives may be under surveillance during any such examination.
Federal and State laws prohibit the interception of an oral communication through the use of any electronic, mechanical, or other
device, whether or not recorded, without the consent of a party to that communication. However, video surveillance without consent
is not illegal.
18 PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO: Unless a property owner has notified the public that photography and video recording is
prohibited, it is permissible to photograph or video the interior of private property since the owner's permission to enter the property
implies permission to do so. However, under no circumstances may Buyer take photographs or videos that intrude on a property
owner's reasonable expectations of privacy.
Buyer should only photograph or video things that are in "plain view". For example, taking a photo or video of the contents of a
medicine cabinet or of financial records in a desk drawer would be impermissible. In addition, any permitted photography or video
should be used only in a manner related directly to Buyer’s examination and purchase of a property. TAKING IMPERMISSIBLE
PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS OR USING THEM FOR AN IMPERMISSIBLE PURPOSE COULD SUBJECT BUYER TO CIVIL
LIABILITY.
Buyer acknowledges and understands that neither Firm nor its agents have control over information about any property Buyer may
purchase that has been placed on the Internet in connection with the marketing of any such property for sale, whether by or through a
listing service or otherwise, including but not limited to photographs, and that any such information will not be removed following
Buyer's purchase of any such property.
19. WIRE FRAUD WARNING:
NOTE: Buyer should consult with Firm before visiting any resale or new homes or contacting any other real estate firm representing
sellers, to avoid the possibility of confusion over the brokerage relationship and misunderstandings about liability for compensation.
BEFORE SENDING ANY WIRE, BUYER SHOULD CALL THE CLOSING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO VERIFY THE
INSTRUCTI
ONS. IF BUYER RECEIVES WIRING INSTRUCTIONS FOR A DIFFERENT BANK, BRANCH
LOCATION, ACCOUNT NAME OR ACCOUNT NUMBER, THEY SHOULD BE PRESUMED FRAUDULENT. DO
NOT SEND ANY FUNDS AND CONTACT THE CLOSING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.
BUYER SHOULD CALL THE CLOSING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE AT A NUMBER THAT IS INDEPENDENTLY
OBTAINED. TO ENSURE THAT THE CONTACT IS LEGITIMATE, BUYER SHOULD NOT RELY ON A PHONE
NUMBER IN AN EMAIL FROM THE CLOSING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, BUYER’S REAL ESTATE AGENT OR
ANYONE ELSE.
Buyer and Firm each hereby acknowledge receipt of a signed copy of this Agreement.
THE NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AS TO THE LEGAL
VALIDITY OR ADEQUACY OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS FORM IN ANY SPECIFIC TRANSACTION.
Buyer: _________________________________________ ______________________________________ ________________
Print Name Signature Date
Contact Information: _____________ ______________ ______________ _________________________________
Home Work Cell Email
Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Buyer: _________________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________
Print Name Signature Date
Contact Information: _____________ ______________ ______________ _________________________________
Home Work Cell Email
Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Entity Buyer: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
(Name of LLC/Corporation/Partnership/Trust/etc.)
By:_________________________________________________________________________ Date: __________________________
Name: _____________________________________________________________________Title: __________________________
Contact Information: _____________ ______________ ______________ _________________________________
Home Work Cell Email
Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Firm: _______________________________________________ _____________________ Firm Phone: ____________________
Print Real Estate Firm Name Firm License Number
Office Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
By: _______________________________________________ _________________________ _____________________
Individual Agent Signature Individual License Number Date
Agent Phone: _____________________ Fax: ____________________ Email: __________________________________________
Buyer acknowledges and understands that there are risks associated with wire transfers that are not within the reasonable
control of Firm, and Buyer hereby agrees to release and discharge Firm and Firm’s agents from any and all claims,
demands, rights and causes of action of whatsoever kind and nature not caused by gross negligence of Firm or Firm’s
agents arising directly or indirectly out of any wire transfer Buyer sends or receives/was to receive in connection with any
real estate transaction in which Firm represents buyer.