Why You Need to Sign a Buyer Representation Agreement Before Viewing Homes in Ottawa

If you’re a first-time home Buyer in Ottawa, you might be surprised when your real estate agent asks you to sign a form before viewing any properties. Don’t worry – this is completely normal and actually meant to protect you!

In Ontario, Buyers are typically asked to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement (Form 300) early in the home-buying process. This friendly guide will explain what that agreement is, what it covers, and why signing it before home showings is now standard practice. We’ll break down each part of the agreement in plain English and walk you through a typical home showing step-by-step. By the end, you’ll see that this paperwork isn’t scary – it’s there to help and protect you as a Buyer.

What is a Buyer Representation Agreement?

A Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA) is a written contract between you (the home Buyer) and a real estate brokerage (and its agent) that makes your working relationship official​. In Ontario, Form 300 is the standard BRA document used for this purpose. Here’s what it means in simple terms:

• It confirms your agent is working for you: By signing the BRA, you are formally hiring the brokerage and a specific agent to represent your interests in buying a home. You become a client of the brokerage, which means the agent has a legal obligation to put your interests first and act in your best interest​. This is different from being just a casual customer – as a client, you get the agent’s full loyalty, advice, and advocacy.

   

• It outlines responsibilities: The agreement spells out what services the agent/brokerage will provide (for example, finding suitable properties, advising on prices, negotiating offers) and what your responsibilities are in return​. It basically sets expectations on both sides so everyone is on the same page.

   

• It includes key terms: The BRA will state how long the agreement lasts (the start and end date), the general area and type of property you’re looking for, and any other conditions you’ve agreed on. For example, you might sign a BRA that lasts for 3 months and covers house-hunting in the Ottawa area. (The time period is negotiable – some Buyers sign for a single day or a specific property, others for several months, depending on their comfort level.)​
• It’s an exclusive agreement: Most BRA contracts in Ontario are exclusive, meaning you agree to work only with that one brokerage/agent for the purchase of your home during the term of the agreement​.

   

• It’s required by Ontario regulations: The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and provincial law (Trust in Real Estate Services Act, or TRESA) actually require that the brokerage have a written representation agreement with a Buyer before proceeding to certain steps (like making an offer)​. In practice, many brokerages now ask Buyers to sign the BRA at the start of the home search, to comply with these rules and ensure everyone’s clear on the relationship.

   

Think of the Buyer Representation Agreement as a professional handshake in writing: it establishes trust and duties. Your agent promises to work hard for you, and you promise to work with them (and not another agent) for that period. It’s a two-way street that benefits both sides.

Why Do I Need to Sign It Before Seeing Homes?

It might feel strange to sign a contract before you even tour a house. You might be thinking, “Can’t I just look first and decide later?” Here’s why agents in Ottawa (and across Ontario) will ask you to sign the BRA before or at your first showing:

• Regulatory rules: Recent updates to Ontario’s real estate laws (TRESA, effective Dec 2023) emphasize that Buyers should either be clients (with a signed agreement) or truly on their own. There’s no in-between “casual browsing” status. By law, if you want an agent’s full services, you need a written agreement​. In fact, RECO’s Code of Ethics requires your initials on the BRA and strongly encourages having it signed before any offer is made. Many brokerages have adopted a policy that no showings occur without a signed BRA, to make sure they are complying with the spirit of these rules. This protects you from confusion about who represents whom.

   

• Your protection as a client: When you sign the BRA, you become a client of the brokerage, which means your agent can give you full advice and advocacy from the get-go. If you didn’t sign, technically the agent might not officially represent you yet – which could limit how much they can guide you. (For example, without an agreement, anything you say to an agent at a showing might not be fully confidential, and the agent might even be obliged to put a Seller’s interests first in some situations!​) Signing ensures you have someone 100% in your corner from the moment you start seeing homes.

   

• Avoiding conflicts of interest: Signing early prevents awkward situations. Imagine you tour a home without a BRA, fall in love with it, and want to make an offer. Technically, until that BRA is signed, the agent has been in a gray area regarding who they represent. By signing upfront, you clarify that issue right away. It’s cleaner and safer for all parties.

   

• Standard practice: You should know that signing a BRA at the start is standard practice in Ontario. It doesn’t mean the agent is pressuring you; it’s just how the home buying process is organized now. You’ll also receive a RECO Information Guide brochure which explains different relationships (client vs. self-represented) and the role of these agreements – your agent will typically provide this guide and answer any questions as part of the process​.

   

• No pressure or cost to sign: Importantly, signing a BRA does not obligate you to buy anything​. It simply establishes the working relationship. You are not committing to purchase a home, and you typically don’t pay anything upfront to sign this agreement​. In almost all cases, the agent only gets paid if and when you successfully buy a home (more on commission below). So, you can sign the BRA, look at homes for weeks, and if you ultimately decide not to buy or to wait, that’s okay – there’s no penalty. The agreement will just expire after its term if you don’t buy something.

   

In short, you sign before showings so that everything is clear and official from the first house you visit. It’s about transparency and making sure you’re protected as a client. A good agent will walk you through the document and reassure you of any concerns – you can always ask questions or request adjustments (for example, a shorter term or a specific area limitation) before signing. Remember, the goal is to make you comfortable and confident moving forward.

What Does the Buyer Representation Agreement Include? (Key Parts Explained)

The BRA form might look a bit intimidating at first (lots of legal text!), but it can be broken down into key sections. Here are the major parts of the agreement:

The Role of the Brokerage and Agent

Right up front, the BRA confirms who the parties are – you (the “Buyer”) and the real estate Brokerage that the agent works for. It gives the brokerage and its salesperson the authority to act as your representative in purchasing a property​. This means your agent (and by extension their brokerage) will search for homes that meet your criteria, set up showings, advise you on prices, and negotiate offers on your behalf. Essentially, they’re your real estate partner.

By signing, you authorize the brokerage to represent you for the purpose of buying or leasing a property. The agreement makes it clear that the agent’s job is to protect your interests and do their best for you. In fact, the BRA (and Ontario law) explicitly states the agent must represent your best interests to the best of their ability​. You’re officially a client, which means you can expect loyalty, confidentiality, and full disclosure from your agent.

(A quick note on terminology: The contract is actually between you and the brokerage, not directly with the individual agent. In practice, you’ll work day-to-day with the salesperson you’ve chosen, but legally all contracts go through the brokerage. So if your agent works at “RE/MAX Hallmark.”, the agreement will list that company as the Brokerage.)

Exclusivity – Working Only with Your Agent

The Buyer Representation Agreement is usually exclusive. This means during the term of the agreement, you agree not to use any other real estate agent or brokerage to buy a home in the area and category described. You’re “going steady” with this agent, so to speak. The form even has a clause where you warrant that you haven’t already signed an agreement with another brokerage for the same purpose​.

Exclusivity can sound daunting, but it’s actually beneficial. It ensures everyone is committed: the agent knows you’re serious about working with them, and you know the agent will be fully invested in helping you (since they don’t have to worry about another agent swooping in). You’re essentially guaranteeing loyalty to each other.

What if you change your mind about working with that agent? The agreement is for a set term, but it can be ended early if both you and the brokerage agree (many agents would cancel it at your request if you’re truly unhappy, though that situation is rare). Some BRA forms even have a built-in cancellation clause or you can negotiate one. The key is that while it’s exclusive, you’re not “locked in” against your will – you have options if the relationship isn’t working out. But in most cases, exclusivity simply means peace of mind: you have a dedicated agent on your side, and the agent has assurance that their hard work for you will eventually be rewarded if you buy.

Also, exclusivity doesn’t stop you from seeing any property you want – it actually gives your agent the ability to help you with any home. For example, if you wander into an open house or see a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) or new build site that you love, just tell your agent. Because you have the BRA, your agent can represent you on those properties too (yes, even if it’s a private sale or builder sale)​. You shouldn’t call another agent or the Seller directly; instead, let your agent handle it. This way, your interests remain protected everywhere. Exclusivity just means one agent handles all your house-hunting, simplifying the process for you.

Commission Structure and the Holdover Period

One big question first-time Buyers have is: How does my agent get paid, and do I have to pay anything? The BRA covers the commission details clearly so there are no surprises. Here’s the lowdown:

• Who pays the commission? In almost all residential purchases in Ontario, the Seller ultimately pays the commission. Typically, the Seller’s agent (listing agent) offers a portion of their commission to any Buyer’s agent who brings a Buyer. When you sign a BRA, it will usually specify a commission percentage (for example, 2.0% of the purchase price) that your agent’s brokerage is entitled to for a successful purchase​. However, this does not mean you necessarily pay it out-of-pocket. In practice, if the home you buy has a listing agent offering that 2.0% (or whatever rate matches the BRA) to the Buyer’s brokerage, that covers it. You don’t write a cheque because it comes from the transaction proceeds (the Seller’s funds).

   

• Do I ever pay out of pocket? The BRA language says if the Seller or listing brokerage ends up not offering enough commission to meet the amount in your agreement, you agree to pay the difference​. This is mostly a protective clause for rare situations. The vast majority of listings do offer a standard co-operating commission (often 2-2.5%). If, say, a listing offered only 2% and your BRA said 2.5%, you’d theoretically be on the hook for the 0.5% gap – but your agent would inform you of that before you proceed, and you could choose whether to view or bid on that property​. Many agents would try to negotiate the difference with the Seller in such cases. Importantly, if the Seller’s side offers equal or more than the BRA rate, you owe nothing extra. And if you never buy a home during the term, you owe no commission at all. There is no upfront retainer fee (in almost all cases) – remember, your agent is working with you for free until a successful purchase happens.

   

• Holdover period: One clause to pay attention to is the Holdover Period (sometimes called a “carry-over” or “protection period”). This is a timeframe (often 30 to 90 days after the agreement expires) during which the brokerage is still entitled to commission if you buy a property that your agent introduced to you during the term​. For example, if your BRA expires on May 1st but it has a 60-day holdover, and you end up buying a house on May 15th that the agent had shown you in April, the brokerage could claim their commission on that sale​. The idea is to prevent Buyers from using an agent to find “the one” and then waiting for the contract to lapse to buy it directly – that wouldn’t be fair to the agent who did the work. However, if you have a new BRA with another brokerage after the first one expires, usually the holdover clause of the first one won’t apply (the first agent wouldn’t double-dip). The holdover is there mainly to ensure fairness. As a Buyer, just be aware of the holdover length; it will be stated in the agreement (you can negotiate how long it is). It doesn’t impose any new obligation on you unless you try to cut out your agent on a property they showed you. As long as you do the right thing, it’s a non-issue.

   

In summary, the commission section of the BRA clarifies that you typically won’t pay your agent directly – their pay comes from the transaction’s commission, often via the Seller. And it spells out scenarios (like a low or no commission offer from a Seller, or buying after expiry) so that everyone is clear on what happens. If you’re ever unsure, ask your agent to walk you through the numbers in that section. The good news is there are no hidden fees – everything is disclosed in writing in the BRA.

Multiple Representation (What if the Brokerage Represents the Seller Too?)

Sometimes you might fall in love with a property that is listed by the same brokerage your agent works for. Or even more directly, your very own agent might find a Buyer for a home their colleague is selling, or they themselves have a listing that suits you. This situation is called multiple representation (formerly known as dual agency). It means one brokerage is representing both the Buyer and the Seller in the same transaction​.

The Buyer Representation Agreement prepares you for this possibility and explains how it’s handled. By signing, you acknowledge that the brokerage might end up in a multiple representation scenario and you agree to let them continue representing you if that happens, provided they obtain your informed, written consent at the time​. In plain language: if a house you want is also being represented by your agent’s brokerage, your agent will tell you and have you sign a separate consent form to proceed in a fair way.

In multiple representation, the brokerage’s duty is to remain impartial and fair to both sides​. They can’t share the Buyer’s confidential info with the Seller or vice versa. For example, your agent cannot tell the Seller what your top offer price is, and likewise cannot tell you confidential details about the Seller’s bottom line​. They have to step back from being an aggressive advocate and instead facilitate a deal that’s agreeable to both. It’s a bit of a tightrope, but there are rules to ensure neither party is disadvantaged. Some brokerages handle this by assigning a “designated agent” for each party (so two different agents in the same brokerage, one for you, one for the Seller, who keep info separate). TRESA introduced this designated representation option to reduce true conflicts​. Other times, one agent may represent both directly with both parties’ permission.

The key takeaway for you as a Buyer: multiple representation is not something to fear, it’s just something to understand. The BRA is upfront that it could occur and that you’ll be asked to consent in writing if it does. You’re free to say no – in which case you might choose not to pursue that particular property, or ask if another agent can represent you. But many Buyers do proceed, and successful deals happen even under multiple representation, thanks to the rules in place. Your agent should explain your options if you find yourself in this scenario. Just know that the BRA’s mention of it is to inform you, not to force it on you. Transparency is the goal.

Use of Your Information and Privacy

Like any professional contract, the Buyer Representation Agreement contains clauses about privacy and how your information is used. When you sign the BRA, you consent to the brokerage collecting and using your personal info as needed to help with your real estate needs​. This includes things like your full name, contact details, and sometimes financial information (for example, they may ask if you’re pre-approved for a mortgage).

Rest assured, this information is used only for real-estate-related purposes – such as finding suitable properties, making appointments, drafting offers, or meeting legal requirements (like verifying your identity for anti-money-laundering laws). The agreement will reference Ontario’s privacy laws. Your data can be shared with people who need to know in a transaction, like the listing brokerage, lawyers, or mortgage brokers, but only as necessary to complete your purchase. The clause basically says you agree the agent can do things like list your first name and last name on an offer, or inform a Seller that you’re a real person who has the funds to buy, etc., as part of the normal process.

Brokerages in Ontario are bound by privacy legislation, so they must protect your personal information and not misuse it. You won’t start getting random marketing spam by signing a BRA (except maybe the agent’s newsletters, if you agree to those separately). The form’s wording is there to comply with laws and to let you know your info is handled properly. If you ever end the relationship, you can also instruct the brokerage to destroy or return any sensitive documents of yours. But generally, there’s nothing alarming here – it’s similar to privacy terms you’d see when signing up for any professional service. In short: your information is safe and will only be used to help you buy your home in accordance with the agreement​.

“No Obligation to Buy” – You’re Not Forced Into Anything

Perhaps the most comforting part for nervous first-timers: Signing a Buyer Representation Agreement does NOT mean you must buy a house! You are under no obligation to purchase anything during the term of the agreement​. The BRA is about working together with an agent, not about committing to a purchase.

If you sign the BRA and, after viewing several homes, decide you’re going to put your search on hold or you never find the right place, that’s perfectly okay. You won’t be penalized or charged a fee just because you didn’t end up buying. The agreement simply expires at the end of its term (or you can mutually cancel it earlier) and that’s that. No harm, no foul.

This is important because some Buyers worry “What if I sign and then change my mind about buying?” The answer: nothing bad happens. You’re not signing away your free will, just establishing representation. In fact, the BRA even explicitly states (or it’s reinforced by industry explanations) that the Buyer isn’t liable to buy a property – it only says that if you do buy during the term, it should be through that brokerage​.

Also, you don’t owe the agent any compensation if you don’t buy. Agents know that not every client will end up purchasing; their hope is to assist you until you do, but there’s no contract clause that says “Buyer must purchase a property by the end or pay a penalty.” No, nothing like that exists. So take your time, continue renting if you choose, or walk away if the timing isn’t right – signing the BRA doesn’t trap you into a purchase. It simply gives you a dedicated representative on your journey, which can end in a purchase whenever you’re ready (or not at all).

Please keep in your mind; There is no obligation to buy a home just because you signed a Buyer Representation Agreement. So you can sign with peace of mind that you’re not signing your life away – you’re just ensuring you have professional help.

Step-by-Step: How Home Showings Work in Ottawa (and Where the BRA Fits In)

Now that we’ve cleared up the Buyer Representation Agreement, let’s walk through a typical home showing process in Ottawa, Ontario. This will show you how the BRA and other steps come into play when you go out to see houses. Here’s a step-by-step scenario:

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Paperwork – Before the first showing, your agent will usually have an initial meeting or detailed phone call with you. They’ll discuss your needs (budget, neighbourhoods, must-haves) and explain how they work. As part of this first meeting, they will also go over the required paperwork. This includes providing you with the RECO Information Guide (a booklet explaining your relationship options and rights)​ and presenting the Buyer Representation Agreement for signature. In Ottawa and across Ontario, agents are required to explain and have you sign the BRA before really diving into home search and offers, so don’t be surprised when this comes up early. The agent will fill in the details (like the term, area, etc.) with you. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll sign the BRA, officially making the brokerage your representative. (If you have any questions or want to make adjustments, this discussion is the time – a good agent will be patient and make sure you’re at ease with signing.)

Step 2: Planning and Scheduling Showings – With the formalities done, the fun part begins! Your agent will start searching for homes that fit your criteria. They’ll use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system to find available properties in Ottawa that match what you’re looking for. Often, the agent will email you listings and together you’ll pick out a few to go see in person. The agent then books appointments for showings. In Ottawa, this usually means the agent contacts the listing brokerage (often through an online booking system or a call to the listing agent) to set up a time for you to view the property. The date and time are confirmed, and sometimes specific instructions are given (for example, “park on the street, don’t let the cat out, remove shoes inside”). You typically will have a set window (e.g. a 30-minute or 1-hour slot) to see the home. All of this is arranged by your agent behind the scenes. Your job is just to be ready at the appointed time.

Step 3: Before You Go Inside – On the day of the showing, you’ll meet your agent – either at the property itself or perhaps at a meeting spot if you’re seeing multiple homes back-to-back. (Some Buyers like to drive with their agent; others prefer to meet separately – you can arrange whatever is comfortable.) Your agent will often arrive a bit early to handle access. In Ottawa, most homes for sale have a lockbox (a secure box holding the house key) or a keypad. Only licensed agents receive the lockbox code or key access, so you can’t enter the property without your agent present. The agent will unlock the door for you. Before entering, they might remind you of any instructions (like putting on booties over shoes if required, or if masks/sanitizer are currently requested, etc., although as of now that’s less common). Remember, these are people’s homes, so basic courtesy applies. Then it’s time to head in and see the place!

Step 4: During the Home Showing – This is your time to explore the property with your agent as a guide. Feel free to walk through each room, inspect fixtures, look at the yard – really get a feel for the home. Your agent will be there to answer questions and point out important features. For instance, they might show you the electrical panel, point out a recent renovation, or note if the windows look newer or older. They will also quietly observe your reactions and feedback – what you like or dislike – to understand your preferences better​. Don’t be shy about speaking up: if something worries you (like a crack in a wall or an odd smell), ask about it. The agent can often provide insight or agree to investigate further.

Typically, a showing lasts around 15-30 minutes in a house (maybe a bit longer if it’s a larger home or if you’re really interested and taking a closer look). If the Sellers are living there, they usually are not home during the showing (they often step out to give you privacy). Sometimes they have security cameras or baby monitors (so it’s wise to keep your comments polite while inside, just in case). Focus on whether the home meets your needs: room sizes, layout, condition, location features, etc. Your agent, being your representative, will not pressure you – they’re there to facilitate and answer questions, not to give a sales pitch. Take notes or photos (with permission via your agent) if that helps you remember details.

Step 5: After the Showing (Feedback & Next Steps) – Once you’ve seen the home, you step outside and your agent will chat with you about what you thought. “How did you like it? What were your thoughts?” This conversation helps the agent understand your feelings about the home. Maybe you loved the layout but found the kitchen too small, or you’re curious about the age of the roof – share all this. It will help your agent fine-tune future searches and also get answers to any questions. If you really adored the home and think it might be “the one,” you can discuss that too. Your agent can then talk about next steps, like arranging a second viewing or starting to prepare an offer.

If the home wasn’t a hit, that’s okay. Your agent will note what you didn’t like (e.g., “on a busy street, felt dark inside”) and use that feedback to adjust the search. They’ll then line up more showings as needed. Remember, there is absolutely no obligation to choose a home quickly. It’s normal to see multiple properties before finding the right one. Your Buyer Representation Agreement doesn’t limit how many homes you can see or force a timeline. It simply says your agent will keep working with you until you find the right place (or the agreement period ends, in which case it can be renewed if you’re still looking). Good communication with your agent is key here – it helps them help you better.

Step 6: Making an Offer (when you’re ready) – While this step goes beyond just “showing,” it’s the natural next part of the process. If you do find a home you want to purchase, your agent will guide you through drafting an offer (Agreement of Purchase and Sale). They’ll explain all the terms, conditions, and clauses (like financing conditions, home inspection, closing dates, etc.)​. Because you signed the BRA, you can be confident your agent is negotiating on your behalf alone, with your best interests in mind. They’ll present the offer to the Seller’s side and handle the negotiations, keeping you informed every step. If it’s accepted, great – you move on to conditional period and closing (the agent still helps coordinate those steps). If not, or if you decide to walk away after an inspection, your agent goes back to finding alternatives and the search continues. Throughout, the BRA is what empowered your agent to do all this for you as a loyal representative.

Step 7: Ongoing Support – Even after you’ve seen homes, made offers, etc., your BRA covers you until you buy or the term ends. During the whole house-hunting journey in Ottawa, your agent will be your resource – pulling up property details, digging into comparable sale prices to advise you, cautioning you if a home seems overpriced, and so on. They’re there to answer “first-timer” questions like “How does land transfer tax work in Ottawa?” or “What’s the average utility cost in this area?” – all part of the service. Essentially, by signing that one piece of paper at the beginning, you unlocked all these services and protection for yourself.

As you can see, the home showing process is pretty straightforward once the formalities are done. Ottawa’s market, like the rest of Ontario, follows a structured routine to make sure Buyers and Sellers are both protected. The Buyer Representation Agreement is one of those structures – it’s a formality that leads to a smoother, clearer experience for you. After that, viewing homes is the enjoyable part where you get to picture your future and make informed decisions with the help of your agent.

What Do You Think?: Signing Form 300 Is a Smart First Step

It’s completely natural to feel a bit nervous when paperwork is slid across the table early on. But remember, the Buyer Representation Agreement (Form 300) is standard for all Buyers in Ontario, and signing it is just a normal part of the journey – especially for first-time Buyers who deserve clarity and protection. Far from being a “trap,” the BRA actually empowers you: it gives you a committed professional in your corner, outlines exactly what to expect, and ensures there are no misunderstandings about roles or money.

Let’s recap a few reassuring points:

• It’s Standard Practice: Virtually every informed Buyer in Ottawa will sign a representation agreement with their Realtor®. You’re not being singled out – this is done across the province to comply with regulations and best serve clients.

   

• It Protects You: By signing, you become a client, which means you get fiduciary duties from your agent (loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure). Your interests are put first​. You’d miss out on this protection if you refused to sign and tried to go it alone or remain unrepresented.

   

• No Upfront Cost, No Obligation: The BRA doesn’t cost you anything to sign, and it doesn’t force you to buy. You only commit to working with the brokerage, not to purchasing a home. You can walk away from the search if needed, without a financial hit.

   

• Transparency on Terms: All the “fine print” (commission, duration, etc.) is laid out so you know how things work. There should be no surprises about who pays commission or how long you’re tied to the agent, because it’s written in plain view. And you can discuss and negotiate those terms – for example, ask for a shorter term if that makes you more comfortable. A good agent will be flexible and understanding.

   

• Professionalism: Signing documents like the BRA is a sign that you’re working with a professional. It sets a serious, businesslike tone which actually gives many first-timers confidence. You have a written contract saying “this agent/brokerage is working for me.” That means something. It means you can rely on them and even hold them accountable to the duties listed. Without an agreement, you might wonder, “Is my agent really on my side?” With it, you know they are, by law and by contract.

   

At the end of the day, buying your first home is a big step, and the Buyer Representation Agreement is there to make sure you don’t take that step alone or unprotected. So when your Ottawa real estate agent brings out Form 300 for you to sign, take a deep breath – remember what you’ve learned here. It’s a routine and wise move to sign it, so you can move forward focusing on the fun part: finding that perfect home, with a trusted expert by your side.

Ready to Start House Hunting in Ottawa?

At PREMIER , we specialize in guiding first-time Buyers through every step of the home buying journey – from understanding the Buyer Representation Agreement to handing you the keys to your new home. If you’re ready to explore homes with a trusted expert by your side, reach out today to schedule your Buyer consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, explain the process clearly, and help you feel confident from day one.

Visit PREMIER website or call us at (613) 369-5888 to speak with a friendly expert.

Let’s find your perfect home together.