Key Takeaways
- TRESA requires a written buyer representation agreement (BRA) before an Ontario agent can show homes or write offers for you.
- A BRA must disclose how the agent gets paid, including any commission offered by the seller's side.
- You can negotiate the term length, geographic scope, and property type covered by the agreement.
- You are not obligated to sign an open-ended, indefinite BRA — shorter terms are common and reasonable to request.
What a buyer representation agreement covers
A buyer representation agreement (BRA) is the written contract that formally establishes an agency relationship between you and a real estate salesperson or brokerage. Under TRESA it must be signed before the agent can show you a property or submit an offer on your behalf.
- The term of the agreement (start and end date).
- The type(s) of property and geographic area covered.
- How the agent is compensated, including co-operating commission expectations from the seller side.
- Whether representation is exclusive (only that agent can represent you) or non-exclusive.
What you can negotiate before signing
The BRA is a contract like any other — its terms are negotiable, not fixed. Buyers commonly ask to shorten the term (30-90 days rather than a full year), narrow the geographic area, or clarify what happens if you find a home on your own without the agent's involvement.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of agreements with automatic renewal clauses, vague or open-ended commission language, or pressure to sign before you've had time to read it. A trustworthy agent will walk you through every clause and answer questions without pushing you to sign on the spot.