FresYes Realty Group · Buyer's Guide
Understanding Your Buyer Agreements
A simple, plain-language guide to the BRBC and PSRA forms you'll encounter when buying a home in California. Know your rights, understand the process, and feel confident every step of the way.
Why This Matters
The home buying process just got more transparent
In 2024, a landmark legal settlement changed how real estate agents work with home buyers across the country. California responded with new laws that took effect January 1, 2025, requiring clear, written agreements between buyers and their agents.
The two main forms you'll encounter are the BRBC (Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement) and the PSRA (Property Showing and Representation Agreement). This guide explains both in plain language so you can feel confident when it's time to sign.
New Written Agreements
As of January 2025, California law requires a written agreement between you and your real estate agent before they can represent you in buying a home. This is a good thing — it means everything is clear and upfront from the start.
Transparent Compensation
Commission rates are not fixed by law and are always negotiable. Your agreement will spell out exactly what your agent earns, and in many cases the seller may cover some or all of that cost.
Your Rights Are Protected
These agreements exist to protect you. You'll know exactly what services your agent will provide, how long the agreement lasts, and how to cancel if needed. No surprises.
Know Your Rights as a Buyer
You have the right to negotiate your agent's compensation
You have the right to choose exclusive or non-exclusive representation
You have the right to cancel your agreement with written notice
You have the right to request that the seller pay your agent's fee
You have the right to understand every term before you sign
You have the right to consult an attorney before signing
You are never required to sign an agreement just to attend an open house
Form #1
The BRBC — Your Main Buyer Agreement
The Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement (C.A.R. Form BRBC) is the primary agreement between you and your real estate agent. Think of it as the "working contract" that defines your professional relationship.
It covers who represents you, what they'll do for you, how long the agreement lasts, and how they get paid. California law (AB 2992) requires this agreement to be signed no later than when you make an offer on a property, and industry practice requires it before you tour any home with an agent.
How Does Compensation Actually Work?
You agree to pay your agent a negotiated amount (a percentage or flat fee). But here's the key part: in many transactions, the seller ends up covering some or all of your agent's compensation.
When you make an offer on a home, you can request that the seller pay your agent's fee as part of the deal. If the seller agrees, that amount is credited against what you owe — meaning you may not pay anything extra out of pocket. If the seller declines, you can negotiate further, walk away, or proceed knowing you're responsible for the fee.
Your agent cannot receive more than the amount specified in your agreement, regardless of who pays.
What's in the BRBC?
How Long It Lasts
Up to 3 months maximum
The agreement has a clear start and end date, never exceeding three months. It can be extended if both you and your agent agree, but you're never locked in indefinitely.
What Properties It Covers
Defined by type & location
You'll specify the type of property you're looking for (single-family home, condo, etc.) and the areas you're interested in. Your agent only represents you for properties matching these criteria.
Agent Compensation
Fully negotiable — never fixed
You and your agent agree on compensation — either a percentage of the purchase price or a flat fee. This amount is always negotiable. There is no "standard" rate set by law.
Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive
Your choice
Non-exclusive (the default) means you can work with other agents too. Exclusive means you're committed to one agent. Either way, it's clearly stated in the agreement.
Your Right to Cancel
Written notice required
You can cancel the agreement at any time with written notice. For non-exclusive agreements, cancellation takes effect immediately upon receipt. For exclusive agreements, there's a 30-day notice period.
What Your Agent Must Do
Defined duties & services
Your agent is obligated to help you find properties, present offers, negotiate on your behalf, assist with inspections, and provide referrals to other professionals you may need.
Form #2
The PSRA — A Lighter-Weight Option
The Property Showing and Representation Agreement (C.A.R. Form PSRA) is a shorter, more limited alternative to the BRBC. It's designed for situations where you want to see a specific property — like at an open house — but aren't ready to commit to a full buyer-agent relationship.
Think of the PSRA as a "test drive" — it lets you work with an agent on a limited basis so you can get comfortable before signing a broader agreement.
BRBC vs. PSRA at a Glance
| Feature | BRBC | PSRA |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Full buyer representation for your home search | Limited representation for up to 3 specific properties |
| Duration | Up to 3 months | Up to 30 days |
| Properties Covered | Any property matching your defined criteria (type, location, price) | Only the specific properties listed in the agreement (max 3) |
| Exclusive Option | Yes — you can choose exclusive or non-exclusive | No — always non-exclusive |
| Compensation | Negotiable % or flat fee | Negotiable % or flat fee (same structure) |
| Cancellation | Written notice; 30 days if exclusive | Written notice; effective upon receipt |
| Best For | Buyers ready to actively search with an agent | Buyers wanting to see a specific home before committing |
| Length | 5 pages | 3 pages |
Attending an Open House?
You are not required to sign any representation agreement just to attend an open house. You can walk through, ask questions, and leave without signing anything.
If the hosting agent asks you to sign a PSRA, understand that doing so means they would represent you for that specific property. If you already have an agent, let the hosting agent know.
From PSRA to BRBC
Many buyers start with a PSRA for a specific property and then transition to a full BRBC once they're ready to work with that agent more broadly.
The Process
What to Expect
Here's how these agreements fit into your home buying journey.
You Meet Your Agent
Your agent explains their services, how they get paid, and answers your questions. This is a conversation, not a commitment.
Sign a PSRA or BRBC
Before touring homes together, you'll sign one of these agreements. If you're just exploring, a PSRA for specific properties may be right. If you're ready to search, a BRBC makes sense.
PSRA or BRBCTour Homes Together
Your agent shows you properties, provides market insights, and helps you evaluate each home based on your needs and budget.
Make an Offer
When you find the right home, your agent prepares and presents your offer. A BRBC must be signed no later than this point (if you haven't already).
BRBC requiredNegotiate & Close
Your agent negotiates on your behalf, coordinates inspections, and guides you through escrow. Compensation is handled at closing per your agreement.
Your Team
Meet the FresYes Realty Group
Our experienced agents are here to guide you through every step of the home buying process. We operate with the "Yes and" mindset — always going above and beyond.
Jason Farris
Team Lead / Broker
Alexandra Hinojos
Real Estate Agent
Benjamin Garcia
Real Estate Agent
Carole McMills
Real Estate Agent
Cheryl Spaulding
Real Estate Agent
Claire Domm
Real Estate Agent
Corrie Tufte
Real Estate Agent
Denise Champion
Real Estate Agent
Jennifer Yager
Real Estate Agent
Katie Gonzalez
Real Estate Agent
Mandy Herring
Real Estate Agent
Maria Romo
Real Estate Agent
Michelle Brixey
Real Estate Agent
Monica Yepez
Real Estate Agent
Raiehanna Espinoza
Real Estate Agent
Sylvia Tang
Real Estate Agent
Teresa Sullivan
Real Estate Agent
Tomas Flores
Real Estate Agent
Or visit us at fresyesrealtygroup.com
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions buyers ask most about these new agreements.
Reference Documents
Read the Actual Forms
Review each form section by section, or open the full PDF to read every detail.
Section-by-Section Guide
Page 1 — The Grid
The first page is a summary grid containing all the key "deal terms" — representation period dates, property type and location, compensation amount, exclusive vs. non-exclusive status, and cancellation terms. This is the page to focus on most carefully.
Pages 2–3 — Compensation Details
These pages explain how and when your agent earns compensation, what happens if the seller pays part of it, how escrow handles the payment, and what "Broker Involvement" means. They also cover what happens if you cancel.
Pages 3–4 — Agent & Buyer Obligations
Outlines what your agent is required to do for you (find properties, negotiate, inspect, provide referrals) and what you're expected to do (act in good faith, provide financial information, read documents).
Page 5 — Signatures & Exclusive Terms
Contains the signature blocks for both you and your agent, plus the exclusive representation terms (if applicable). If exclusive is checked, you'll initial here to confirm.
Attachments
The BRBC typically comes with several attachments: the Agency Disclosure (AD), Broker Compensation Advisory (BCA), Buyer's Investigation Advisory (BIA), Possible Representation of More Than One Buyer or Seller (PRBS), and the California Consumer Privacy Act Advisory (CCPA).
Full Document Preview
Get Started
Schedule a Buyer Consultation
Ready to start your home search? Our team will walk you through these agreements in person, answer all your questions, and help you understand exactly what to expect. No pressure, no obligation.