An agent submitted a Buyer Agency Agreement with portions of the SCR language crossed out, including compensation and disclosure sections. The reasoning?

“Well, the buyer didn’t want that part in there.”

 

Cue the collective broker eye twitch. 😵‍💫

 

Here’s the issue: Certain portions of SCR and NAR-required forms are not optional language that agents can simply line through because someone feels uncomfortable with it. These forms exist for legal disclosure, consumer protection, and compliance purposes.

 

Even if you are not getting paid any compensation, the form still needs to properly reflect that. Leaving blanks, crossing out mandatory language, or modifying required sections can create compliance issues for both the agent and the brokerage.

 

 

And let’s be honest…nothing gets awkward faster than trying to explain altered contract language during a complaint, mediation, or audit. 👀

A few reminders:

✔ Compensation must be disclosed on the Buyer Agency Agreement.

✔ If you are not receiving compensation, enter zero. Do not leave it blank.

✔ The section regarding seller-paid buyer broker compensation should be completed appropriately so the buyer has the option to request the seller pay compensation on their behalf.

✔ Do not line through or alter mandatory SCR/NAR language.

✔ If a buyer has questions or concerns about a section, explain the purpose of the form instead of modifying it yourself.

✔ If something feels unusual or you’re unsure, ask your broker BEFORE rewriting legal forms.

Remember, we are licensed real estate professionals, not freelance contract editors. 😅

Before submitting your Buyer Agency Agreement:

Trying to “simplify” a contract by removing language can actually create more liability, not less. The safest path is always proper disclosure, proper completion, and proper documentation.