📌 The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
Following the August 17, 2024 NAR settlement and Florida Realtors rules, all prospective buyers must execute a written representation agreement before touring any home or land parcel in Florida. Commissions are 100% negotiable and never fixed by statute. Sellers can still pay or credit buyer agent fees via standard contract addenda. At The Parham Team with Momentum Realty, we stand by transparent, upfront fees and Total Cost of Sale clarity.
Why Do You Need to Sign Before Touring?
In the past, buyers in rural Putnam County or riverfront communities might look at half a dozen homes before ever discussing representation or commission structure. That created confusion about who was advocating for whom.
The updated rules require clear expectations before you walk through a front door or tour acreage along the St. Johns River. This guarantees:
- You know who is representing your fiduciary interests and negotiating on your behalf.
- Full due diligence on critical local items (well and septic inspections, flood elevation, bulkhead conditions, riparian rights, zoning).
- Total fee transparency with no unexpected closing fees.
Frequently Asked Questions for Florida Buyers
1. Is commission fixed or required by Florida law?
No. Broker commissions are completely negotiable. There is no minimum or maximum fee required by Florida law or any MLS association. We establish our compensation in writing with you upfront.
2. Can the seller still cover buyer agent fees?
Yes. While the MLS cannot display cooperative commission offers, sellers can still agree to contribute toward buyer broker compensation or provide seller concessions in the purchase agreement (using Florida Form CR-6). We structure our offers to request seller concessions whenever appropriate.
3. Showing Agreement vs. Exclusive Agreement — What's the Difference?
A Showing Agreement covers only specific properties or a single day's tour. An Exclusive Agreement is a comprehensive partnership where we perform comparative market analyses, research historical flood levels and zoning, verify permits, negotiate inspection credits, and guide your purchase all the way to closing.
4. What happens if a seller won't contribute toward compensation?
You remain in total control. You can negotiate the purchase price to offset expenses, ask for seller closing cost credits, or choose to focus your search on properties offering concessions. You will always know seller terms before drafting an offer.
5. Can we cancel if our working relationship isn't a fit?
Yes. We pride ourselves on relationship-first real estate. If you feel we are not meeting your needs, our agreements provide clear, fair mutual termination terms.
⭐ Momentum Realty Standards: No Ranges & Total Cost of Sale Transparency
Under Momentum Realty rules, we never use open-ended or ambiguous commission ranges. Every agreement specifies exact figures and provides a complete Total Cost of Sale walkthrough so you are 100% prepared.