Signing a BBA is no longer optional, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. Here's the practical workflow.
Step 1: Choose your agent
Look for an agent licensed in your state with active sponsorship (a brokerage relationship). Our platform's transaction-time license recheck verifies this automatically — you won't be matched with an inactive agent.
Step 2: Review the BBA terms
Key fields to understand:
- *Compensation basis*: flat fee, hourly, or percentage of purchase price.
- *Term*: how long the agreement is in force (typical 90-180 days).
- *Exclusivity*: whether you can work with other agents simultaneously.
- *Compensation source*: seller concession, buyer-direct, or rebate offset.
Step 3: Negotiate if needed
Don't sign blindly. Common negotiable points:
- Term length — shorter terms (60-90 days) protect you if the relationship doesn't work.
- Compensation cap — agree on a maximum amount.
- Exclusivity — non-exclusive arrangements are fine, especially early in your search.
Step 4: E-sign
When ready, your agent sends a DocuSign envelope. You review, sign, and the BBA is logged in our compliance event log immediately. Audit trail starts here.
Step 5: Start touring
With an active BBA, you can request showings. Your agent schedules with listing agents. Each tour is BBA-gated — if your BBA expires, scheduling stops automatically.