Over a year into California’s requirement that buyers sign a representation agreement before touring a home with a licensed agent, confusion still lingers—and in some cases, it’s being made worse by inconsistent practices within the industry.
Recently, one of my agents came to me with an observation that raised more than a few eyebrows. Two separate new clients declined to sign a buyer representation agreement, both insisting that other agents had already shown them homes without requiring one. Once might be a one-off. Twice starts to look like a pattern.
So let’s clear this up. In California, if a licensed real estate agent is showing you a property outside of an open house setting, a signed buyer representation agreement is required. This isn’t optional, and it isn’t a suggestion. It’s the law—specifically, it is California Civil Code §1670.50 et seq., which requires a written buyer-broker agreement prior to providing brokerage services such as private showings.
So why are we still seeing confusion? At best, some agents don’t fully understand the requirement or are trying to avoid what can feel like an uncomfortable conversation. At worst, there are those who are knowingly ignoring it. Either way, it leaves consumers misinformed and unprotected.
There are two primary agreement options buyers should understand. The first is the short-term Property Showing and Representation Agreement, or PSRA. I like to call this the “coffee date” agreement. It allows an agent to show up to three specific properties over a period of no more than 30 days. It’s a simple, low-commitment way for both the buyer and the agent to decide if they’re a good fit without being tied together long-term.
The second is the Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement, or BRBC, which establishes a more formal relationship. This is typically the next step once both parties feel confident moving forward together, and in my opinion, it’s the wisest path for all involved when you’re serious about buying.
For buyers who feel intimidated by signing something up front, the PSRA exists for exactly that reason. It provides a structured, compliant way to move forward without pressure, while still respecting the legal framework now in place.
There are also safeguards built into the MLS itself. When agents go to schedule a showing, there is a required prompt where they must affirm that they are following the law and have a signed agreement in place. In other words, this isn’t a gray area. Any agent bypassing this step isn’t just bending the rules—they’re misrepresenting their compliance.
Is signing a representation agreement to see a house intimidating? Of course it is. But sellers have always signed agreements for representation, and now buyers do too. Real estate is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. It deserves professionalism, transparency and accountability from the very beginning.
The bottom line is this: if an agent is willing to cut corners before you’ve even started, what does that suggest about how they’ll handle your transaction? Always work with an honest, ethical local real estate professional who understands the law and takes their fiduciary duty seriously.
And to our local agents still ignoring California Civil Code §1670.50: do better. Cutting corners on the law isn’t a good look for anyone.
Theresa Grant is a real estate broker and columnist covering Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, and the surrounding mountain communities. Reach her at (909) 442-1345 visit www.HomesInLakeArrowhead.com, and follow her on social media @TheresaGrantRealtor. Theresa is a Broker Associate with REAL Broker Technologies. DRE#01202881.
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