Before the Dinner Date
The Simplicity of a Showing Agreement in Real Estate
Let’s talk about the quiet power of small steps.
In real estate—especially now, under the structure defined by the NAR settlement—many buyers are suddenly hearing about things like Buyer Brokerage Agreements for the first time. Particularly in our market in Florida where such agreements were not required before, it can be surprising, and it can create surprises after it is signed.
Understandably, some feel like they’re being asked to sign a long-term lease with someone they just met over a Zillow link. And Not surprisingly some do not really look at the fine print and think it is a simple thing to sign a Buyer Brokerage Agreement only to find out it is not so simple.
I am not sure why more buyers would not want to have first a Showing Agreement, but I suspect it is because real estate agents are not telling them about those. Those are more limited commitments and require that the real estate agent actually be knowledgable enough, friendly enough and trustworthy enough to earn your commitment to use our services.
Some real estate agents actually pride themselves on “getting it signed” when it comes to Buyer Brokerage Agreements and that makes them proud that they can overcome “objections”. To that we kind of say “Really?”.
See our Substack on this Buyers Brokerage Agreements
That’s not how we work. We are transparent and clear. We are not scripted nor do we take pride in overcoming objections. We take pride in creating clarity so that peopple can come to decisions naturally. We explain why something might be good and might not be. Does everyone do that? Probably not.
At Jabbour Luxury Group, we believe that trust isn’t built by locking someone into a time-based contract that covers “all homes in Walton County.” That’s like booking a two-week vacation with someone before grabbing coffee.
Instead, we use Showing Agreements first and foremost—simple, transparent documents designed for just a few homes at a time. Think of it as a movie date before the dinner date. It’s a chance for us to get to know each other. No pressure. No sweeping commitments. Just clarity about how the process works, how compensation is handled, and a shared understanding of expectations. If we both are clear and precise and create the proper conversation, the rest is rather easy.
When we prepare showings for clients, we contact the listing agents ahead of time to confirm the seller’s offered compensation. Why? Because under this new model, it’s more important than ever that our buyers are protected from surprises—especially when it comes to fees. We don't leave that to chance, and we never have, and we don’t assume anything on your behalf. We confirm the details, we talk them through, and we invite your questions before we ever unlock a door.
These conversations usually start the way good ones do—over coffee, or a relaxed chat in the office. We want our clients to understand the path they’re walking, and to know we’re not sprinting ahead or steering them blindly.
The truth is, a great working relationship in real estate is just that: a relationship. It should grow in pace with trust. That’s why our first move is small, honest, and intentional. If we work well together on a few showings, we’ll know whether it’s the right fit for something more.
The rules may have changed, but the best principles haven’t. Real estate is still about people. And we’ll keep showing up the same way we always have—professionally, thoughtfully, and with a willingness to earn trust one step at a time.
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