If you're buying a home in Columbus in 2026, you'll need to sign a buyer agency agreement before most agents will start showing you properties. Here's what you need to know about this document, your rights, and how to make sure you're signing with an agent who genuinely serves your interests.
What Is an Ohio Buyer Agency Agreement?
A buyer agency agreement (also called a buyer representation agreement) is a contract between you and a real estate agent or brokerage establishing that the agent will represent your interests in a home purchase transaction. In Ohio, these agreements became a formal requirement for buyers working with agents as part of the NAR settlement changes implemented in 2024. You must sign this agreement before an agent can show you properties they've agreed to represent you in purchasing.
What Does the Agreement Cover?
A standard Ohio buyer agency agreement includes: the term of the agreement (typically 90-180 days), the geographic area covered, the buyer's agent compensation (how your agent gets paid and by how much), your obligations during the agreement period, and termination provisions.
How Buyer Agent Compensation Works in Ohio in 2026
The biggest change from the NAR settlement is that buyer agent compensation is now negotiable and must be disclosed upfront. Before 2024, buyer's agent commissions were typically paid by the seller's side as a percentage of the sale price. Today, you negotiate this directly with your buyer's agent, and sellers may or may not agree to cover it as a concession.
In practice, most Columbus transactions still have the seller contributing to buyer's agent compensation through seller concessions, but this is no longer automatic. Your agreement should spell out exactly what you owe if the seller doesn't offer compensation, and under what circumstances you might have to pay directly.
What to Ask Before Signing
Before signing a buyer agency agreement in Columbus, ask: What is your compensation rate and how is it structured? What happens if I find a property on my own? How do I terminate this agreement if needed? Do you specialize in the Columbus neighborhoods I'm interested in? How many buyers are you currently working with?
Why Buyer Agency Matters
A buyer's agent with a signed representation agreement has a fiduciary duty to you. They must put your interests first, disclose all relevant information about properties, and advise you on offer strategy. Without this formal representation, you have fewer protections.
I work with Columbus buyers under transparent, negotiated agreements. Contact Joseph Speakman at 614-607-3691 for current listings and honest market insight
